Community Corner
West Bloomfield Under Heat Advisory
Temperatures climbing into the 90s today and Wednesday, with little relief overnight.
With temperatures expected to climb into the 90s today and tomorrow, West Bloomfield and all of the surrounding areas are under a heat advisory until midnight Wednesday.
Heat index values will range from 95 -100 today and 93-98 Wednesday. Overnight low temperatures will only drop to the low 70s, providing little relief from the daytime heat, the National Weather Service reported this morning.
Strenuous outdoor activity could lead to heat injuries such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps. People prone to heat stress – such as the very young, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions – could suffer, especially where no shade or air conditioning is available.
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The Oakland County Health Division advised that those at greatest risk for heat related illness include individuals over 65 years of age, infants and children up to age four, overweight people, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise, and people who are ill or on certain medications.
“Among the most important precautions you can take is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water even if you are not thirsty,” said Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of Oakland County Health Division. “Additionally, take plenty of breaks if you’re working or playing outdoors.”
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If you are out and about or without air-conditioning, the best advice to avoid heat-related illness: “Drink plenty of fluids, come in right away if you are not feeling well and do not overexert yourself,” Dr. Jeffrey Ditkoff, an Emergency Center physician at , said when we had our most recent heat advisory a week ago today.
Early signs of heat-related illness are pretty nonspecific, Ditkoff said, such as nausea, vomiting, headache and general malaise. These are pretty general symptoms, but when there is a heat advisory, "We will be looking at these kinds of symptoms with with heat-related illness in the forefront of our minds," he said.
Signs of more severe heat illness include confusion, disorientation, loss of consciousness and seizure, he said. “The most susceptible are the very young, the very old and those with underlying illnesses, like cancer or kidney failure,” he said.
“Most important is to be very well hydrated – before an activity, during and after,” Ditkoff said. “Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can act as diuretics and worsen dehydration.”
There is no specific amount to drink, but Ditkoff said urine is a good indicator if someone might be dehydrated. “If urine is dark, that’s a sign of dehydration," he said.
Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. And it's a good idea to check on relatives and neighbors periodically.
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