Hardin County Public Health offers cooling center and tips to beat the heat

With temperatures expected to rise above 90 degrees and an elevated heat index for an extended period now and throughout this weekend, Hardin County Public Health reminds residents to keep health in mind during the hot weather. Greenbelt Home Care wants to help you beat the heat. Greenbelt Home Care is located at 2411 Edgington Avenue in Eldora, Iowa. They have a community room available during this heat advisory that is equipped with air conditioning, fans, TVs and internet service. If you are in need of a place to stay cool during this summer heat advisory, please stop on in. The office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also call 641-939-8444.

Ways to stay cool during the heat include:

• Increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. The best way to tell you are well-hydrated is if your urine is light yellow. If it gets dark, stop and rehydrate by drinking water immediately.

• If experiencing a lot of sweating, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and salty crackers, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts such as sports drinks and special rehydration fluids.

• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen.

• Wear hats that shade your face such as sun hats, visors, etc.

• Keep in the shade or air conditioned areas as much as possible.

• Work slowly if you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity. Stop immediately if you get dizzy, nauseated or feel weak. Go into an air conditioned space and drink cool liquids.

• Use a buddy system. Check on elderly friends or relatives. Watch others for heat-induced illness, since some people may not realize that they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused or lose consciousness.

As residents enjoy more outdoor recreational opportunities and events, it’s important to remember some basic summer safety guidelines, which can be summarized with the word “SHADE”:

• S – Sunscreen. Put on sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day, especially if swimming or sweating.

• H – Heat safety. Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, sugar-free fluids; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors, especially when active; and when temperatures soar, stay in the shade or air conditioning as much as possible.

• A – Animal contact. Remember to wash your hands after touching animals at places like petting zoos or county fairs. Avoid stray and wild animals; they may carry diseases like rabies.

• D – DEET. To prevent being bitten by ticks and mosquitoes that can carry diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease, use insect repellent with DEET (follow the label directions when using, especially on children).

• E – Eating outdoors. Grill all meats until thoroughly cooked and always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

For further information regarding extreme heat visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

The Eldora Newspapers

The Eldora Newspapers
1254 Edgington Ave.
Eldora, IA 50627
Ph. 641-939-5051
Fax 1-800-340-0805
news@eldoranewspapers.com

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