The smog red alert issued recently by weather forecasters should raise the proverbial red warning flag with everyone --- not just those who are most vulnerable, according to Dr. Kim Turner, Interim Director of the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.

“Everyone who breathes can be adversely affected if they don’t take the common-sense cautionary actions to avoid too much exposure to the serious combination of extreme heat and smog,” she said. Smog is a polluted air produced by the reaction of sunlight with substances that have been released into the atmosphere, especially by vehicular emissions.

Usually, such warnings are directed at seniors, children, people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. However, otherwise healthy persons can develop problems if they aren’t careful.

The CDC and the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness offer the following tips, which apply to smog alert and extreme heat conditions:

• Stay indoors and, if possible stay in an air conditioned place. The County has designated its senior multipurpose centers and health centers as cooling stations for residents.
• Electric fans may provide limited comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath to lower body temperature.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting, natural fiber (cotton or linen) clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on outdoor exercise. If on a low-salt diet, talk with a doctor before drinking sports beverages.
• Rest often in shady places.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar: they can cause the loss of body fluids. Avoid very cold drinks: they can cause stomach cramps.

For anyone on medicines for high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions, or diabetes, protection from heat exposure is more important than if these conditions did not exist.

Heat Exhaustion signs: heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting; skin may be cool and moist; pulse rate fast and weak; breathing fast and shallow.

Heat Stroke signs: altered mental state, or decreased level of consciousness, and/or seizures, along with extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea. Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur after exposure to heat.

For a list of county multipurpose senior facilities call the Department of Human Services at (404) 730-7944. For a list of health centers, call The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness at (404) 730-1211. For guidance and information on the prevention of heat-related illnesses, visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb

Tags: environment, Health, pollution