08/07/2007

Heat Advisory Warning: When Sunblock Isn't Enough
The Jersey City Medical Center EMS Department urges residents to be careful as high temperatures are forecast to continue for the next several days.

On average, Jersey City EMS responds to 210 incidents each day. However, during the heat wave in July, responses increased by 9 percent to an average of 229. Overexposure to summer heat causes between 25 and 170 hospitalizations in New Jersey annually, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

"Many people do not consider the danger of these severe temperatures," said Christopher Rinn, director of EMS. "It is extremely important to take precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones do not suffer from heat-stroke or other heat-related illnesses. Check in on an elderly neighbor and pay special attention to children. It is important to identify symptoms of heat exhaustion early in order to administer proper care."

It is important to recognize early warning indicators such as weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, rapid weak heartbeat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, headaches, cramps, irritability and dehydration. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to fainting, vomiting or even seizures. These are serious health hazards and need to be treated as soon as possible.

Children under four and those over 65 are among those at highest risk of heat-related illnesses.

The Jersey City Medical Center EMS Department advises the following recommendations to beat the heat:

• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don't feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler and smog levels may not be as high as in the afternoon. Wear a hat.
• Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centers or a friend’s place.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
• Keep lights off or turned down low.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Never leave a child in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
• Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Do your best to check on relatives and friends
• Make sure to pay special attention to young children and the elderly, as they might have a harder time adjusting to the heat
• In the event of an emergency, dial 911 immediately

So whether you are going to the beach, planning a picnic at the park, or BBQ-ing in the backyard, remember to be prepared and recognize early symptoms.

Cooling center locations in Hudson County:

BAYONNE
Senior citizen centers at 16 West Fourth Street, 597 Broadway and 329 Avenue B.

UNION CITY
The Bruce Walter Recreation Center at Fifth and West streets, the Ronald Dario Swimming Complex at 47th Street and Palisade Avenue, and the Senior Citizens Building at 3700 Palisade Ave.

KEARNY
The Kearny Health Department at 645 Kearny Ave.

NORTH BERGEN
The Senior Citizens Nutrition Center at 1445 45th Street, the senior building at 61st Street and Grand Avenue.

JERSEY CITY
Senior centers at 28 Paterson Street and 335 Bergen Avenue.

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