Winneshiek County Public Health issues tips on how to stay cool

With Decorah experiencing high temperatures and high humidity. the Winneshiek County Health Department is issuing tips to 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. These liquids will DEHYDRATE you. Drink lots of water.
--Drink often and regularly, and drink more than just water if sweating a lot. Salt and minerals are lost through sweating. It's important to maintain those levels with salty foods or rehydration drinks, especially if you are sweating profusely and exercising more than 90 minutes.
--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.
--Check on elderly neighbors and friends 1-2x/day if known that they have no air conditioning.

For more prevention information about recognizing heat-related illnesses, visit www.winneshiekhealth.org, call (563) 382-4662 or visit Winneshiek County Public Health on Facebook.