City Health Officer Advises Residents to Take Precautions with Excessive heat

Long Beach Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs ranging from high 80s to high 90s in parts of Long Beach.

“It’s important for people to be familiar with and practice heat precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness and injury, especially while participating in outdoor activities,” said Dr. Davis.

The elderly, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. However, everyone should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury, including pets. The following precautions are highly recommended:
· Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat hours at stores, malls, theaters, etc. All Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers are designated cooling centers. For a list of Community Centers and their hours, visit http://bit.ly/LongBeachCoolingCenters.
· Check on frail elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat.
· Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
· Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during and after outdoor activities.
· Make sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink.
· Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.
· Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck when outside.
· Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours; sunscreen prevents skin cancer.
· Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.
· Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat hours.
· Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.
· Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
· Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness, which includes dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps. Rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.
· Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having an entry-proof barrier that surrounds the pool or spa.

About Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is to improve quality of life by promoting a safe and healthy community in which to live, work and play. Long Beach Health is one of only three city-run health departments in California, which allows for better engagement with residents, neighborhoods, businesses and community partners, and fosters a greater understanding of the City’s strengths. For more information, visit us at www.longbeach.gov/health, “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.