HARRISBURG, PA -- Temperatures Near, or Above, 100 Degrees Expected in Some Areas As extremely hot, humid weather is forecast across the state this week, health and aging officials are reminding all Pennsylvanians to take the necessary precautions to remain healthy and safe.
"It is especially important for young children, older individuals, people who are overweight, those who have heart and breathing problems, or are on certain medications to pay close attention to their activities during hot and humid weather," said Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson. "Unfortunately, as evidenced by the numerous heat-related deaths reported each summer, many people still do not understand just how dangerous hot weather can be."
The Pennsylvania Department of Health suggests drinking plenty of non- alcoholic liquids such as water - even if not thirsty; dressing appropriately in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day; and postponing strenuous activity and work until later in the day when the temperature drops.
The two most common types of heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is more serious.
According to the Department of Aging, people at the greatest risk of fatal heat stroke are older people who live alone without air conditioning and who live on the second or third floor of an apartment building or row house.
"Our network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is ready to assist older adults during dangerously hot weather and can also help relocate older adults to cooler locations such as a senior center or church," Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower said. "I also encourage Pennsylvanians to check on older relatives and neighbors to make sure they are safe."
Contact numbers for Area Agencies on Aging are listed in the Blue Pages of local telephone directories.
Additional contact information and hot weather safety tips are available through the state Department of Aging Web site at http://www.aging.state.pa.us/ or the Department of Health Web site at http://www.health.state.pa.us/.
CONTACT: Troy Thompson (Health)
(717) 787-1783
Anne C. Bale (Aging)
(717) 783-1549
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health; Pennsylvania Department of Aging
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| Notes:
CONTACT: Troy Thompson (Health), +1-717-787-1783, or Anne C. Bale
(Aging), +1-717-783-1549
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
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