Minnesota Department of Health

News Release

June 23, 2009

Contact information

Health officials recommend steps to "beat the heat"

With heat warnings or advisories currently in effect for the Twin Cities and broad areas of greater Minnesota, state health officials are reminding people that extreme heat can affect your health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) suggest a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your family during hot weather:

• Drink more fluids than usual – but avoid fluids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Check with your doctor if you have been advised to limit your intake of fluids or placed on diuretics ("water pills").
• Stay indoors – in an air-conditioned location, if possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, spending a few hours a day in an air-conditioned public place like a public library or shopping mall will help your body cope with the heat.
• Don't rely on electric fans – they may make you more comfortable, but don't do much to prevent heat-related illness.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave people – or animals – in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check regularly on people who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness – infants and young children, people over 65, people with mental illness, and people with chronic health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure.
• If you must spend time outdoors, try to limit your activity to morning and evening. Try to take rest breaks in shady areas.
• Limit physical exercise. Again, when you do exercise, be sure to take in plenty of fluids.
• When you're outdoors, wear hats and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
  

More information about protecting your health during hot weather is available on the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us.

-MDH-

For more information, contact:

Buddy Ferguson
MDH Communications
651-201-4997

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