Jefferson County General Health District

EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2010 HOURS OF OPERATION WILL BE 8:00AM TO 4:00PM, CLOSED FROM 11:30AM TO 12:30PM FOR LUNCH

Rabies in Wildlife Continues to Pose Risks to Pets, People

Columbus, OH – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) wants to remind Ohioans that rabies in wildlife continues to pose a risk to pets and people. Rabies is almost always 100 percent fatal once a person or animal begins to show symptoms. Protecting pets by keeping them current on their rabies vaccine is an important buffer between wildlife rabies and human exposure. Indoor animals should also be vaccinated as rabid bats are frequently discovered by pets in the home.

Over the past two decades, ODH laboratories have confirmed two dogs and seven cats with rabies. The most recent dog report occurred on Oct. 13 when it was confirmed that a Siberian Husky from Twinsburg Ohio in Summit County was infected with rabies. The dog has since died and was not current on its rabies vaccination.

"Although this is only the second confirmed dog case in Ohio since 1997, the risk of household pets coming into contact with wild animals is ever present," said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Smith, who oversees the ODH Zoonotic Disease Program. "We highly recommend that all domestic pets be kept up to date on vaccinations."

So far this year, 43 animals have been confirmed rabid in Ohio (32 bats, 5 raccoons, 5 skunks, and one dog). With the exception of bats, all were infected with the raccoon variant. ODH continues to work with local health departments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services to contain raccoon rabies and prevent further spread.

In addition to vaccinating your pets for rabies, there are several things Ohioans can do to protect themselves and their pets.

Avoid wildlife and animals you do not know.
Teach your children that they should tell you if they were bitten or scratched by an animal.
Call your doctor and the local health department, if bitten.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a bat, raccoon, skunk, or other wild carnivore.

It is important to remember that cats, as well as dogs, should be vaccinated for rabies. According to the latest published data by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cats continue to be the number one domestic animal confirmed with rabies: 300 cats confirmed in 2009 compared to 81 dogs.

Learn more on the Rabies page of the ODH website: www.odh.ohio.gov.

JOHN R. KASICH

GOVERNOR

STATE OF OHIO

Executive Order 2011-24K

Instructing State Agencies to Work with Local Officials to Enforce Existing Animal Welfare, Public Health and Other Laws

WHEREAS, although Ohio law provides clear authority for the State of Ohio to regulate the possession, sale and transfer of native species, Ohio law is unclear about the authority that the State has to regulate dangerous non-native wild animals, including, but not limited to, nonnative reptiles, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetah, mountain lions, and hybrids thereof.

WHEREAS, the private ownership and captivity of dangerous wild animals in the State of Ohio creates a substantial, potential threat to the general welfare and safety of the citizens of the State of Ohio and the welfare of these animals.

WHEREAS, in some cases, the private owners of dangerous wild animals keep them in deplorable and inhumane conditions because few private citizens have the training or experience or the resources to keep these animals safely and securely in captivity.

WHEREAS, my Administration seeks to provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies, humane societies and local boards ofhealth to ensure that animals neither are subject to abuse or neglect, nor create a nuisance or pose a threat to the public.

WHEREAS, my Administration is committed to practicing responsible stewardship of Ohio's natural resources, in addition to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the State of Ohio and the welfare of animals by evaluating the standards and conditions in which dangerous wild animals are being held in captivity across the State of Ohio.

WHEREAS, within the confines of the Ohio Revised Code as it is currently written, I have instructed my staff to think of innovative ways to address the existing threats to animal welfare and public health and safety that are posed by the private ownership and captivity of dangerous wild animals in the State of Ohio, until permanent solutions are developed under Ohio law.

NOW THEREFORE, I, John R. Kasich, Governor of the State of Ohio, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Ohio, do hereby order and direct that:

The Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture shall, in accordance with their respective statutory authority, cooperate in the investigation and inquiry into private places where dangerous wild animals are housed, maintained, or owned. Such inquiry shall include, but not be limited to, any investigation or inspection necessary to do any of the following:
1. Protect Ohio citizens against diseases of animals;
2. Collect and preserve information concerning the number and type of dangerous non-native wild animals in the State of Ohio;
3. Assess whether nuisance conditions exist at certain places where dangerous wild animals are housed or owned; or
4. Assess whether there is evidence of animal abuse or neglect.
The Directors of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Health ("Directors"), or their respective designees, shall work with local boards of health and humane societies throughout Ohio to collectively work throughout the State of Ohio to enforce state laws related to animal health, captivity and cruelty, as well as threats to public health and safety.
Each Department shall work to provide humane societies across the State with persons that humane societies in the State of Ohio may designate as their agents, and assist humane societies and local health authorities in enforcing state laws against persons violating any law for the protection of persons or animals, or the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The Directors, or their respective designees, shall meet with local boards of health, local law enforcement officials, humane societies, veterinarians and sportsmen and conservation groups to determine which properties in the State contain dangerous wild animals that create a danger to the general health and welfare of the citizens and animals of that locality and of the State of Ohio.
The Directors, or their assigned designees, shall collaborate with zoos and other qualified persons or organizations throughout the State of Ohio in order to identify facilities that will safely house dangerous wild animals captured, confiscated or impounded by local or state law enforcement officials or humane societies in accordance with their respective authority under Ohio law.
The Department of Natural Resources shall establish and publicize a toll free hotline and website for complaints and inquiries concerning dangerous wild animals located in the State. In addition, public complaints and inquiries may be made to local boards ofhealth.
The Chief of the Division of Wildlife shall require the Division's staff to perform inspections of the premises of holders of a propagating license who possess potentially dangerous wild species native to Ohio. Division of Wildlife employees shall document the physical conditions in which these or any other animals are habitating on those premises and submit their reports to the Chief of the Division of Wildlife within five (5) days of completion of each inspection.
The Department of Agriculture shall work with local law enforcement and other persons and organizations, including the United States Department of Agriculture, as appropriate, to identify any persons or groups acting as an auctioneer or conducting an auction in Ohio, but not properly licensed with the Department of Agriculture, and take any necessary enforcement actions that are within the scope of the Department's authority under state law. In addition, the Department of Agriculture shall work to enter into agreements with livestock dealers, auctioneers and auction firms to impose a temporary moratorium on the sale of any dangerous wild animals in the State of Ohio.
The Regulating Dangerous, Wild Animals Workgroup shall complete its study and provide recommendations that set forth proposed legislation pertaining to the importation, regulation and licensure of dangerous wild animals no later than November 30, 2011.

I signed this Executive Order on October 21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio, and it will expire on my last day as Governor of Ohio unless rescinded before en.

ATTEST:

Jon Husted, Secretary of State

ELECTRONIC COLLECTION

Just a reminder that tomorrow, May 4 is the first day of our ongoing electronics collection. Hours are 9-2
and the locations are at the Jefferson Water Dept and in Belmont at Belco Works.

The collections are every Weds. from 9-2 and the second Sat. of every month from 9- noon.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

INFORMATION EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.........................Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue
I will continue to forward this every time it comes around!

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks..
Seriously..

Please read:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics). She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke... totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A S TROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

STROKE:Remember   the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.
       Four letters...S.T.R.O.
Now   doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three   simple questions:
S   *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T   *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today.)
R*Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New   Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick O*UT Your   Tongue
NOTE:   Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one   side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.
A   cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be   saved.

I have done my part. Will you?

Sudden severe dizziness can be a sign also.

DT: November 29, 2010

FR: Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Food Safety

Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health

RE: Precautionary Warning-EPA Warns Against Use of Mothballs that Look Like Candy

(New York, N.Y. – Nov. 23, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning the public about a potential threat from an illegal pesticide product uncovered during an inspection of a shipment at a warehouse in Kearny, NJ. EPA discovered that a Brooklyn-based company had attempted to import mothballs from China that could be mistaken for candy and are not registered with EPA, as required by federal law. These mothballs are suspected of containing an active ingredient called para-dichlorobenzene, a toxic chemical. About 4800 brightly-decorated bags of the product, called Fuji Lavender Moth Tablets, were discovered. EPA is looking into whether the product has reached stores, and is asking the public to look out for the mothballs while the Agency continues its investigation. Members of the public should not purchase the Fuji Lavender Moth Tablets. If a consumer has bought them, he or she should contact EPA at 732-321-4461 for assistance in properly disposing of them.

“EPA wants to make sure that no one gets sick from these illegal imported toxic pesticides,” said Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “Importing pesticide products that are not registered with EPA is a serious violation. The registration process ensures that we know what pesticides are in the products, and that they have labels with directions for proper use. Mothballs sold in colorful packaging that resemble candy pose a particular risk to children”

Inhaling para-dichlorobenzene can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and other illnesses. Swallowing it can damage the nervous system and, in extreme cases, can cause coma or death. In this case, the product’s similarity to candy makes accidental poisonings a real threat.

On November 2, EPA received a routine notice from an importer seeking permission to bring a disinfection product containing a pesticide into the U.S. EPA reviewed the paperwork and discovered that there was no EPA registration number listed for the product, Dettol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer. The Agency contacted the importer and requested that the shipment be made available for inspection.

On November 5, the importer brought the shipment to a warehouse in Kearny, NJ for EPA inspection. During this inspection, the Agency not only confirmed that the Dettol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer was not registered and did not have an EPA-approved label, but also discovered a large quantity of the Fuji Lavender Moth Tablets. The illegal products are being held in Kearny, and EPA has directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize and destroy them. EPA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offices around the country were alerted about the attempted importation of the Fuji Lavender Moth Tablets because of concerns about their candy-like appearance.

On November 9, EPA conducted a subsequent inspection of the importer’s Brooklyn warehouse and has identified several similar products that may be illegal and are being held while the Agency’s investigation continues.

“The removal of this significant threat to the public’s safety and health demonstrates CBP’s vigilance in protecting the United States,” said Mr. Robert E. Perez, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, Director New York Field Office. “Fortunately CBP has forged great working relationships with other agencies, this latest example of interoperability with the EPA bears that relationship out.”

All products sold in the U.S. that contain pesticides must be registered with EPA. Before a product is registered, EPA examines the ingredients and the way in which it will be used. The Agency also looks at storage and disposal practices. EPA assesses a wide variety of potential human health and environmental effects associated with use of the product. The producer of the pesticide must provide data from tests done according to EPA guidelines, to ensure that the product does not make people sick.

Illegal pesticide products are toxic and may contain unknown ingredients. Consumers may unknowingly purchase illegal products, which have not been thoroughly tested and do not have proper labels. “Do not ever buy a pesticide that does not have an EPA registration number on the container,” warned EPA Regional Administrator Enck.

As America’s frontline border security agency, U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s priority mission is to protect the American public against terrorists and the instruments of terror while at the same time enforcing the laws of the United States and fostering the Nation’s economic security through lawful travel and trade.

For more information about illegal pesticides, their health effects, and how to dispose of them, go to the EPA’s illegal pesticide website http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/illegalproducts/index.htm

For images of the particular products subject to today’s announcement, visit http://www.epa.gov/region2/pesticides/

HALLOWEEN HAZARDS

Below are facts you can use to help make families more aware of Halloween Hazards, along with practical products (on the left) to help keep trick-or-treaters safe.

Hazard #1 Pedestrian-Car Collisions: Child pedestrians are four times more likely to be killed on Halloween than on any other evening of the year. ²Parents need to accompany children, make sure they are visible, and model safe pedestrian behaviors themselves.

Hazard #2 Non-Intersection Crossings: Well over half of the Halloween pedestrian fatalities involving children occur at non-intersections, suggesting that mid-block crossings, darting out from between parked cars and other unexpected crossing behaviors may have contributed to their deaths.³

Hazard #3 Drunk Driving: Drunk driving over Halloween has surpassed drunk driving on New Year's. On Halloween night in 2008, 58% of all highway fatalities involving a driver or a motorcycle rider were alcohol-related. ⁴

Hazard #4 Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury on Halloween night. While it is important to make sure costumes are "fall-proof," it is also important to clear walkways, yards and driveways of tripping hazards in advance and to carry a flashlight.

Hazard #5 Burns and Eye Injuries: Medical professionals cite an increase in eye and burn-related injuries on Halloween night. Paying attention to children's costumes, using face paint instead of masks and using "soft" toy weapons can help reduce these risks.

1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2. CDC Wonder, "Childhood Pedestrian Deaths During Halloween -- United States, 1975-1996, MMWR 46(42); 987-990 (7/24/1997)
3. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as quoted by the Independent-Mail, 10/27/2008, www.independentmail.com/news/2008/oct/27/officials-halloween
4. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Adapted from : www.imsafe.com

Bed Bugs: Know the Facts

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are insects that feed on human blood. They are usually most active at night and are attracted to sleeping people.
They are small, reddish-brown and wingless. After a blood meal, they become swollen and darker in color.
Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding.

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Small rusty spots on mattresses and sheets.
Red itchy welts on the skin caused by bed bug bites.

Can I get diseases from bed bugs?

Bed bugs don’t make people sick with diseases.

How do bed bugs get in my home?

They hitchhike on used furniture and mattresses.
They also hitchhike on people, luggage and backpacks.

How can I be sure if I have bed bugs?

Look in the seams, creases and folds of couches, mattresses and box springs for bed bugs and their blood spots and droppings, which look like dark marker spots.
Look in cracks and crevices in bed frames, headboards and bedroom furniture.
Look between cushions of couches and chairs.
Look under rugs and edges of carpet.
Look between folds of curtains.
Look behind baseboards and around windows.
Look behind electrical plates and under loose wallpaper, paintings and posters.
Look in cracks in plaster.

Bed Bugs: Know the Facts

What can I do to get bed bugs out of my home?

Get rid of things lying around your house that you don’t use.
Vacuum mattresses and box springs with a nozzle attachment and vacuum carpets. Immediately remove the vacuum bag and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Then throw it away in a covered outdoor garbage container.
Cover mattress and box springs with a bug-proof plastic zippered cover.
Wash clothing, sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot (120° F) water. Then put them in a hot dryer for at least five minutes to kill bed bugs.
Set out glue boards or sticky tape to catch bed bugs as they come out of their hiding places.
Spray alcohol directly on the bed bugs. (NOTE: Rubbing alcohol is a POISON and should always be kept out of reach of children.)

How can I keep from bringing bed bugs home with me?

All new and secondhand furniture should be closely inspected before bringing it home.
Don’t bring home furniture or mattresses from unknown sources.

Life cycle of a bed bug

Subject: Food Safety During Power Outages

Date: August 05, 2010

Food Safety During Power Outages

If the power is out for less than 2 hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for longer.

If the power is out for longer than 2 hours, follow the guidelines below:

For the Freezer section: A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it.
For the Refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers are fine for this purpose.
Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

For guidelines on when to save, and when to throw out food during a power outage the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided the following information below:

Refrigerator Foods

When to Save and When to Throw It Out
FOOD	Held above 40 °F for over 2 hours
MEAT, POULTRY, SEAFOOD Raw or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish, or seafood; soy meat substitutes	Discard
Thawing meat or poultry	Discard
Meat, tuna, shrimp,chicken, or egg salad	Discard
Gravy, stuffing, broth	Discard
Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef	Discard
Pizza – with any topping	Discard
Canned hams labeled "Keep Refrigerated"	Discard
Canned meats and fish, opened	Discard
CHEESE Soft Cheeses: blue/bleu, Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, cottage, cream, Edam, Monterey Jack, ricotta, mozzarella, Muenster, Neufchatel, queso blanco, queso fresco	Discard
Hard Cheeses: Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, Romano	Safe
Processed Cheeses	Safe
Shredded Cheeses	Discard
Low-fat Cheeses	Discard
Grated Parmesan, Romano, or combination (in can or jar)	Safe
DAIRY Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt, eggnog, soy milk	Discard
Butter, margarine	Safe
Baby formula, opened	Discard
EGGS Fresh eggs, hard-cooked in shell, egg dishes, egg products	Discard
Custards and puddings	Discard
CASSEROLES, SOUPS, STEWS	Discard
FRUITS Fresh fruits, cut	Discard
Fruit juices, opened	Safe
Canned fruits, opened	Safe
Fresh fruits, coconut, raisins, dried fruits, candied fruits, dates	Safe
SAUCES, SPREADS, JAMS Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish	Discard if above 50 °F for over 8 hrs.
Peanut butter	Safe
Jelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, catsup, olives, pickles	Safe
Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, Hoisin sauces	Safe
Fish sauces (oyster sauce)	Discard
Opened vinegar-based dressings	Safe
Opened creamy-based dressings	Discard
Spaghetti sauce, opened jar	Discard
BREAD, CAKES, COOKIES,PASTA, GRAINS Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas	Safe
Refrigerator biscuits,rolls, cookie dough	Discard
Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes	Discard
Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinaigrette	Discard
Fresh pasta	Discard
Cheesecake	Discard
Breakfast foods –waffles, pancakes, bagels	Safe
PIES, PASTRY Pastries, cream filled	Discard
Pies – custard,cheese filled, or chiffon; quiche	Discard
Pies, fruit	Safe
VEGETABLES Fresh mushrooms, herbs, spices	Safe
Greens, pre-cut, pre-washed, packaged	Discard
Vegetables, raw	Safe
Vegetables, cooked; tofu	Discard
Vegetable juice, opened	Discard
Baked potatoes	Discard
Commercial garlic in oil	Discard
Potato Salad	Discard

Frozen Food

When to Save and When To Throw It Out
FOOD	Still contains ice crystals and feels as cold as if refrigerated	Thawed. Held above 40 °F for over 2 hours
MEAT, POULTRY, SEAFOOD Beef, veal, lamb, pork, and ground meats	Refreeze	Discard
Poultry and ground poultry	Refreeze	Discard
Variety meats (liver, kidney, heart, chitterlings)	Refreeze	Discard
Casseroles, stews, soups	Refreeze	Discard
Fish, shellfish, breaded seafood products	Refreeze. However, there will be some texture and flavor loss.	Discard
DAIRY Milk	Refreeze. May lose some texture.	Discard
Eggs (out of shell) and egg products	Refreeze	Discard
Ice cream, frozen yogurt	Discard	Discard
Cheese (soft and semi-soft)	Refreeze. May lose some texture.	Discard
Hard cheeses	Refreeze	Refreeze
Shredded cheeses	Refreeze	Discard
Casseroles containing milk, cream, eggs, soft cheeses	Refreeze	Discard
Cheesecake	Refreeze	Discard
FRUITS Juices	Refreeze	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell, or sliminess develops.
Home or commercially packaged	Refreeze. Will change texture and flavor.	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell, or sliminess develops.
VEGETABLES Juices	Refreeze	Discard after held above 40 °F for 6 hours.
Home or commercially packaged or blanched	Refreeze. May suffer texture and flavor loss.	Discard after held above 40 °F for 6 hours.
BREADS, PASTRIES Breads, rolls, muffins, cakes (without custard fillings)	Refreeze	Refreeze
Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or cheese filling	Refreeze	Discard
Pie crusts, commercial and homemade bread dough	Refreeze. Some quality loss may occur.	Refreeze. Quality loss is considerable.
OTHER Casseroles – pasta, rice based	Refreeze	Discard
Flour, cornmeal, nuts	Refreeze	Refreeze
Breakfast items –waffles, pancakes, bagels	Refreeze	Refreeze
Frozen meal, entree, specialty items (pizza, sausage and biscuit, meat pie,convenience foods)	Refreeze	Discard

FOOD SAFETY: GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW

DURING AND AFTER A POWER OUTAGE;

Never taste a food to determine its safety! Keep the refrigerator and

freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below. Obtain block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for 2 days. If the power has been out for several days, then check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer or food thermometer. If the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below, the food is safe. If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, then check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, left over’s, and deli items after 4 hours without power. Drink only bottled water if flooding has occurred.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Four local county health departments remind residents of the dangers of extreme heat, especially this week as we deal with temperatures in the mid 90’s. About 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity every year. And most of them are 50 or older. Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can’t cool down as well as younger ones. Just as important - older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.

The health departments from Jefferson and Harrison in Ohio, and Brooke and Hancock in West Virginia offer these tips for older adults

Should turn on the air conditioner or go where it’s air-conditioned—a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum, or library. (Fans aren’t enough
Should Not walk long distances, lift heavy objects, or do other strenuous things.
Should drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine (these can “dry you out”).
Remember: If your urine is a light yellow color, you’re drinking enough water. If it’s darker yellow, you need to drink more

Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramp

Should take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
Should wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. A good choice is clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton.
Should wear hats.
Should stay out of the sun.

Should use a Buddy System

When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are age 65 or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun, or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and sun overexposure, and be ready to give first-aid.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Get the victim to a shady area
Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or, if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously
Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F
Get medical assistance as soon as possible

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim’s pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if the symptoms are severe or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:
Cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
Rest
Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
An air-conditioned environment
Lightweight clothing