Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Novi area through Thursday night. Temperatures in the high 90s and possibly hitting 100 could take a toll on those who are susceptible to extreme heat, such as the elderly, the obese, and young children.

The has offered these tips to avoid heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Remember that sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to provide cooling.
• Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day.
• Using a buddy system between co-workers in high-stress jobs can help ensure that signs of heat stress do not go unnoticed.
• Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related
  illness.
• Fans should be used only in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out a window with a fan during the day, and blow in cooler air at night.
• Take cool (not icy cold) baths or showers.
• Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Fruits, vegetables and salads constitute low-protein meals.