FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: June 7, 1999
CONTACT: Robert Vanderslice, Ph.D.
Office of Environmental Heath Risk Assessment, 222-3424;

Health Department Advisory on Hot Weather

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) urges Rhode Islanders to watch out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke during prolonged hot weather. The elderly, chronically ill and very young need special attention.

According to Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of Health, taking a few simple precautions avoids health problems associated with heat.

1) Change your routine.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the day. Schedule strenuous activity during the early morning when it is coolest.

• Don't use the oven. Eat cool foods such as salads.

2) Stay cool and hydrated.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you need to work outside, take more breaks and use the shade to cool off when not working.

• Take cool baths and showers or sponge off with cool water. If you don't have air conditioning, go to someplace that does, like a library, senior center, movie theater or mall.
• Drink plenty of cool, NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages. Alcohol makes dehydration worse!

3) Monitor yourself, family and neighbors.

• When you start to feel dizzy, weak or nauseous, take it easy. Relax and cool off. Encourage those around you to do the same.
• Some medicines make you more sensitive to heat stress. Check with you doctor or pharmacist.

• Know the signs of more serious heat illness. Heat exhaustion starts with weakness, nausea, dizziness and profuse sweating. Heat stroke is characterized by a high body temperature, lack of sweating and physical collapse.

• Check in on older friends and relatives living alone. The most common victims of heat stroke are elderly people living alone. Invite them to visit an air conditioned library or movie with you.

Dr. Nolan stated, "Heat related illnesses are easily prevented. Enjoy a change in routine, let the weather dictate how hard you work and exercise, and watch out for family, friends and neighbors."

For more information, contact the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us