RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY

PDT Staff Writer

With many in the area still without electricity and the temperatures remaining in the upper 90s, the possibility of heat related health issues has inceased.

“What we must consider when we have a heat advisory of 100 or higher, we need to protect ourselves from the heat as much as possible. It’s easy to become dehydrated, or become sun burned. If you have chronic health conditions you run a risk of aggravating those conditions. Whether they are pulmonary, or cancer, or diabetes, or heart disease or other conditions that can lead to complications of stroke,” said Scioto County Health Commissioner Dr. Aaron Adams.

According to the National Weather Service, 206 people died in 2011 from heat — up from 138 in 2010, and second in weather-related fatalities only to tornadoes. The most deaths last years were among men, age 60-69; but overall the most at-risk age group was 70-79.

Adams cautioned though that even young people can be victims of heat stoke or heat exhaustion. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, five of those heat fatalities in 2011 were under the age 19.

“What people really need to do is avoid this mid-day sun and get out in the morning or in the evening; hydrate and stay in the air conditioning if you can. Try to protect themselves from days like today,” Dr. Adams said.

Some of the symptoms to watch for include light headedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and weakness.

“If you experience any of these, you should probably go inside and try to cool off and hydrate yourself. If your symptoms persist you should probably go to the emergency room,” Adams said.

Ryan Scott Ottney can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.