The Amador County Public Health Department is advising citizens to take caution in the current extreme heat and poor air quality. Air quality is at dangerous levels because of the California fires and high ozone levels. This week is predicted to be the warmest week of the year, and record temperatures in the valley and foothills could reach as high as 110 degrees. Particulate matter from the fires has increased the Air Quality Index to between 150 and 200, which is an “unhealthy level.” The heat wave pushed the ozone to a “very unhealthy” AQI level of 210 in the Sacramento Valley yesterday. But these determinations mainly apply to the lower valley- the foothills have fewer monitoring stations but usually are at or exceed the valley levels. Amador County Public Health is reminding citizens of the factors that increase the risk for heat-related illness, including advanced age, isolation or social circumstances, heart, lung, or kidney disease, medication, and high blood pressure or diabetes. During this heat advisory, Public Health recommends drinking plenty of water and limiting drinks with caffeine and alcohol. Try to be less active during late afternoon- the hottest and smokiest part of the day. Finally, never leave kids or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes. Heat-related illness can be prevented by taking these precautions while the heat advisory is in effect. Warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Heat-related illness can be a medical emergency. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical care.
Thursday, 10 July 2008 07:34
Amador Public Health Issues Heat Advisory
The Amador County Public Health Department is advising citizens to take caution in the current extreme heat and poor air quality. Air quality is at dangerous levels because of the California fires and high ozone levels. This week is predicted to be the warmest week of the year, and record temperatures in the valley and foothills could reach as high as 110 degrees. Particulate matter from the fires has increased the Air Quality Index to between 150 and 200, which is an “unhealthy level.” The heat wave pushed the ozone to a “very unhealthy” AQI level of 210 in the Sacramento Valley yesterday. But these determinations mainly apply to the lower valley- the foothills have fewer monitoring stations but usually are at or exceed the valley levels. Amador County Public Health is reminding citizens of the factors that increase the risk for heat-related illness, including advanced age, isolation or social circumstances, heart, lung, or kidney disease, medication, and high blood pressure or diabetes. During this heat advisory, Public Health recommends drinking plenty of water and limiting drinks with caffeine and alcohol. Try to be less active during late afternoon- the hottest and smokiest part of the day. Finally, never leave kids or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes. Heat-related illness can be prevented by taking these precautions while the heat advisory is in effect. Warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Heat-related illness can be a medical emergency. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical care.
