313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806 | Los Angeles, CA 90012
| (213)
For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2010
LOS ANGELES - High temperatures are forecasted for Wednesday, July 14 through Saturday, July 17 for Lancaster and other parts of Antelope Valley. The Los Angeles County Health Officer would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken, especially by those people sensitive to the heat.
"While people don't need to be told it's hot outside, they do need to be reminded to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and pets when the weather gets hotter," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
"Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows 'cracked,' because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life- threatening levels."
For a list of cooling centers and additional information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, please visit the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county.
Heat may worsen the effects of poor air quality in areas of heavy smog. If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and requires immediate medical attention.
Several tips for beating the heat include:
Heat-Related Illnesses:
Heat Cramps:
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat Stroke:
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.
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