KEEP COOL IN THE SUMMER HEAT

NEW CITY, NY - - Very hot weather is in the forecast for this upcoming weekend. Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert urge residents to take simple steps to stay cool and help prevent heat-related illnesses.

"Every year, many people suffer from the negative health effects of extreme heat. Hot weather can be dangerous, but there are many steps we can take to prevent or reduce heat-related problems. While summertime heat and humid weather can be dangerous for anyone, and especially for older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing or lung problems," said Dr. Ruppert.

To protect yourself and your family when the weather is hot, follow the tips below:

• Never leave children, pets or people with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.
• Use air-conditioning to cool down. If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls, or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Cooling centers are places where people may go to cool down during hot weather. Visit https://on.ny.gov/2sMjixU for a list of cooling centers near you or call your town or village. Before going to a cooling center, it's important to call ahead to make sure it's open, as some cooling centers are only open during regular business hours or officially declared heat emergencies and extreme heat events.
• Drink plenty of fluids - don't wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Make sure children and older adults are drinking water and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid activities that involve a lot of energy or effort during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take many breaks from physical activity.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Wear sunscreen and a lightweight hat (straw or mesh is best) when outdoors, even if it is cloudy.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications can increase the risk of sun or heat-related illness. Be aware that some medicines can cause skin to burn more easily or affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Talk to your doctor about possible heat or sun-related side effects of your medication and do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Check on your neighbors, such as older adults or those in poor health, to see if they need assistance.
• Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly, even with a window cracked open. Roads, sidewalks and gravel can get very hot and burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible, and bring lots of water on walks.

For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat, visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/hot/. Updates on weather conditions are available from the National Weather Service www.weather.gov.