ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Health says the state has seen 51 heat-related emergency room visits since April 1. And with summer just around the corner, officials are warning locals to take precaution against high temperatures.
“While anyone can get sick from exposure to heat, everyone can lower the risk of getting sick by taking precautions”, Dr. Miranda Durham, the chief medical officer for NMHealth, said in a press release. “This Memorial Day weekend and all summer be mindful of the temperature when you and your family are outdoors.”
Temperatures are likely to remain high, particularly in southern New Mexico, the Department of Health says. Even mild temperatures can be dangerous to individuals with certain conditions. Those at increased risk include:
People who work outside.
Athletes and others who spend time outside.
Young children and infants, especially when they are left unattended in cars.
Older adults as we cannot regulate our internal temperatures as well as we age.
People with chronic medical conditions may have a serious health problem during a heat wave.
Pregnant people are at higher risk for heat illness because their bodies must work harder to cool down the babies’ body as well as their own.
“This summer is likely going to be hotter than normal, so practicing heat safety is very important,” KRQE Meteorologist Zoe Mintz says. “Limit time outdoors during peak daytime heating hours – try to do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are more comfortable. Don’t forget about water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to heat related illnesses. And don’t forget about your dogs! It is never safe to keep your dog in a locked car on a hot day.”
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More information about heat-related illness can be found at this link. To help prepare for the heat, the Department of Health recommends:
Outdoor workers should let their bodies get used to the heat by gradually increasing work hours as it gets hot, slowing their work pace down when it gets hot, shifting work time to avoid the hottest times of the day, staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, and resting in the shade.
Athletes and others who spend time outside should avoid being outside in the hottest parts of the day, drink water regularly and rest in the shade.
Never leave children or pets in the car. When the temperature outside a car is 72F, the temperature inside the car can reach 117F within 60 minutes.
Getting swamp coolers/air conditioners serviced.
Applying for Low Income Home Energy Assistance to help cover the cost of using air conditioners.
Keeping window shades drawn during the day to help keep the heat out.
Planting trees in your yard.
Using appliances early in the day or at night when there is less strain on the electrical grid.
Having a plan to get somewhere with air conditioning, such as a library or friend’s house especially for older adults and people with medical needs.
Older adults and people taking medications should talk to their doctor about medications that make it harder for the body to cool itself in hot weather. These include many common medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines and some heart and high blood pressure medicines.
Helping people who have limited capacity to understand how to avoid heat-related illness.
