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How to Survive the Summer Heat
Posted June 10, 2008 — Click here for some Quick inofrmation on what to do when it gets too hot is located below. You'll also find an extented set of information about heat exhaustion in the HealthPDF download section under "Surviving Hot Weather."
What to do in a Heat Wave
Protect Yourself
- Avoid outings and activities during the warmest hours (generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- If you need to go out, stay in the shade, (maybe bring an umbrella) wear light and loose clothing (cotton), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Also bring lots of water.
- Shut blinds and curtains of south exposed windows.
- Keep windows shut as long as the outside temperature is hotter than the inside. Open the windows at night to encourage airflow.
Keep Yourself Cool
- Stay inside the coolest rooms in your home.
- If you do not have an air conditioner where you live, go to the nearest air-conditioned place for at least 2 hours daily.
- Take cool showers or baths throughout the day or cool your body with a cold washcloth.
Talk With Your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist
- Especially if you are taking medications as described on the back of this sheet or feeling unwell.
- Make sure to consult with your doctor if you are on a Restricted Fluid Intake. He/She will need to adjust this amount during hot weather days.
Drink Lots of Fluids
- Drink a minimum equivalent of 8 glasses/day (800 ml) of fluid. Ideally you should drink 13-14 glasses/day.
- Try to increase the amount of fluids you drink during hot weather. Even when you are not thirsty.
- Fluids include: water, fruit juices, ice cream, Popsicles, sport's drinks, cold soup/broth, fruits and vegetables high in water content (e.g. melon, strawberries, peaches).
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, some carbonated drinks).
- Eat smaller meals.
Stay Connected
- Ask for help from a family member, friend, or neighbor if the hot weather is making you feel uncomfortable.
- It's a good idea to keep in daily contact with your friends and family to let them know how you are feeling.
- Stay connected with other people who have a more difficult time coping with hot weather in your community and help them KEEP COOL.
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION IN A PDF FORMAT
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2008
INDIVIDUALS & AGENCIES HONORED ON PUBLIC HEALTH DAY
The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department honored three individuals and two agencies, as well as a media personality, at its annual Public Health Day breakfast and awards program.
“Friends of Public Health” awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the health department’s programs or public health within the community, were presented to Lydia Reid and Kathi Cutlip. MedCentral Health System’s Cardiac Surgery Program and Malabar Farm State Park and Park Manager Louis Andres were also recognized. Brigitte Coles of WMFD-TV was honored with the “Media Award.”
Former Mansfield Mayor Lydia Reid, who served the city in that capacity for 15 years, was honored for her advocacy on the benefits of a strong Public Health Department.
Kathi Cutlip received her award for her work coordinating the formation of the Medical Reserve Corps (volunteers with medical backgrounds willing to respond in emergencies) with the Health Department.
MedCentral’s Cardiac Surgery Program was honored for being rated number one in Ohio as well as among the top five of all hospitals in the United States for cardiac surgery.
Malabar Farm State Park and Louis Andres, Park Manager since 1992, were honored for commitment to healthier lifestyles. Malabar Farm’s Visitor Education Center was singled out for its many “green” technologies and educational exhibits relating to alternative energy, recycling, and sustainability.
Brigitte Coles, who has been with WMFD-TV in Mansfield since 2004, received the 12th annual Media Award. The Anchor/Reporter is also the host and producer of WMFD-TV’s weekly programs “Focus On North Central Ohio” and “Inside the Mansfield City Schools”.
Keynote speaker was Jim Coleman of Ohio’s Tomorrow, who spoke on this year's National Public Health Week theme of “Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance.”
Public Health Day for Richland County focuses on the Health Department’s theme of “Protecting and Promoting Health with an Ounce of Prevention,” and is held annually as a part of National Public Health Week, held April 7-13 this year. Mansfield Mayor Donald Culliver, Ontario Mayor Kenneth Bender, and the Richland County Commissioners presented proclamations for Public Health Day.
Photo Identification:
Lydia Reid, former Mansfield Mayor; Jim Meyer, CEO of MedCentral Health Systems; Brigitte Coles, WMFD-TV anchor/reporter; Louis Andres, Malabar Farm State Park Manager; Kathi Cutlip’s daughter Raylene Adams, accepting in her absence.
For Immediate Release: March 6, 2008
For More Information Contact: Environmental Health, 419-774-4520
Health & Safety Concerns – Flood Cleanup
Mansfield, OH — The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department offers the following information for individuals starting cleanup following a flood:
Recovery from a flood presents a homeowner with numerous challenges. Before proceeding with cleanup flood waters must be allowed to recede or cleanup procedures may have to be repeated. Once the flood waters have drained away, consult the gas and electric companies to check for possible explosive or electrocution hazards. Then open the residence for venting of any accumulated gases and odors. Remove all standing water from the residence. If the basement has been flooded, pump roughly a third of the depth of the water away each day to avoid implosion (inward collapse of the walls from the outside pressure of the ground water). Remove and discard carpet and upholstered furniture that has been contaminated with sewage and other polluted water. Other furnishings should be removed to an enclosed outside area for drying. Once dried, soil may be brushed away and then vacuumed or steam cleaned. Do not place furniture in direct sunlight. All waste should be placed in closed containers (cans or dumpsters) and removed to a licensed facility.
Mold is a likely problem in flooded homes. Mold has the potential to affect the health of all family members. It is important to remove all water and fix any leaks before cleaning. Clean hard surfaces with a solution of bleach and water (2 ounces of bleach to one gallon of water); make sure to ventilate the area when using chlorine bleach. Wear a filter mask and gloves to avoid contact with the mold. Let the bleach and water sit for 15 minutes and then dry the area thoroughly. Alternately, concrete block walls and concrete floors may be cleaned with liquid ammonia, rinsed and then a weak solution of ammonia and water applied and left to dry on the wall and floor for disinfection. Wet, porous materials, such as carpeting, wallboard, insulation, wallpaper and overstuffed furniture should be discarded because they remain a source of mold growth.
Laundry items should be separated, air dried (do not expose to direct heat of sunlight) and brushed free of soil. Wash and dry in commercial or residential appliances.
If you have a private water supply do not use if the water is cloudy or the well has been submerged by flood or runoff waters. Pump the well until the water is clear and then boil all water for one minute. Place in a clean container that has been immersed in boiling water and allow to cool in a protected area. Alternately, add two drops of bleach or five drops of iodine to each quart of water and allow 30 minutes of contact time with the disinfectant before using. Once the well water has been tested and found to be free of bacteria the disinfection procedures may be abandoned.
All food should be checked for evidence of contact with flood water. All fresh food, dry goods and damaged canned goods must be discarded if exposed to flood water. Undamaged canned goods may be salvaged by removing the label, washing and immersing the can in a solution of a tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water, air drying and relabeling with the contents. If the electric power has been disrupted, foods stored in the refrigerator should be discarded if the power was off for six hours or more or if the temperature of the food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for a combined period of more than two hours. Food stored in a freezer will be safe if the food remains in a frozen condition, normally for the period 24 to 48 hours following the power outage. If the food in the freezer thaws but remains below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the food may be prepared for use but should not be refrozen. When in doubt about the condition of food, throw it out. Do not risk foodborne illness.
Before restoring the household sewage disposal system to use, the septic tank/secondary disposal system should be pumped of all liquids. This will not only dewater the system but allow the filter or soil disposal system to dry out before receiving additional sewage flows. If your sewage system has an outlet drain or curtain drain, check to outlet and clear any obstructions that may be found. If the system has been eroded of cover material, contact a contractor for regarding and seeding.
Sanitarians at the Health Department are available to answer any cleanup questions you have. Call 419-774-4520.
Flood Recovery information from Ohio Department of Health (PDF Format)
Flood Repair information from Red Cross (PDF Format)