Winneshiek County Public Health Department is offering advice on how to beat the heat

The Winneshiek County Public Health Department is offering advice to help you prevent heat related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunburn:

• NEVER leave a person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• During extreme heat, stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned building. If air conditioning is not available in the building or home, try to spend a few hours a day in a library or shopping mall that is air-conditioned. Other ways to help stay cool include using an electric fan (if the temperature is in the high 90's fans will not prevent heat related issues) and taking a cool shower or bath.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• For those who must be out in the heat, limit activity to the morning and evening hours when it is cooler, drink plenty of fluids and stay in the shade when possible. Try to cut down on exercise if able.
• To protect from sun exposure, wear a hat and use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Be sure to check on elderly relatives, neighbors, or friends and assist them if needed.

If in Decorah and need relief from the heat, go to the Decorah Public Library, Decorah City Hall, and even your shopping centers for air conditioning.

For more prevention information about recognizing heat-related illnesses, visit www.winneshiekhealth.org  or call 563-382-4662