City Health Officer Advises Residents to Take Precautions with Higher Temperatures

Long Beach Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is advising residents to take precautions against the heat this week, particularly from Wednesday, August 2 through Sunday, August 6. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the 80s to low 90s in parts of Long Beach and high humidity.

“High heat and humidity cause the body to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which is why it is important to practice heat precautions to protect from heat-related illness and injury,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, City Health Officer.

Pets can experience heat-related illness and injury; and the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at even greater risk. Therefore, everyone should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury:

· Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat at places such as stores, malls, and theaters. All Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers are designated cooling centers. For a list of Community Centers and hours of operation, 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 and 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.
· 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 that may include: dizziness, nausea, headaches, and 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.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services would like to wish you all a safe and healthy summer. For more information and summer safety tips, visit: www.longbeach.gov/health, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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.