The hot and humid temperatures that loom over Chicago this week have prompted a heat advisory by city, county and state officials.
The hot and humid temperatures that loom over Chicago this week have prompted a heat advisory by city, county and state officials. Health officials said seniors, infants and the disabled are most at risk when temperatures reach the mid-90s as it did June 23 and 24. “High temperatures and humidity can lead to serious health problems. That’s why prevention is the best defense against heat-related illness,” said Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “To help your body cope with high temperatures, take steps to stay cool, increase your fluid intake, decrease your activities and wear appropriate clothing.” He offers the following tips to combat the heat: *Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. *Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. *Take cool showers, baths or sponge baths. *Protect your body by wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. *Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. However, if a person must go outside Arnold recommends taking it slow and avoiding strenuous activity and taking regular breaks when engaged in physical activities. City officials remind residents that there are six cooling centers available to escape the heat, and during extreme heat days (100 degrees and up), Chicago police stations are also used as cooling centers. Chicago cooling centers are located at: 4740 N. Sheridan Road 4345 W. Armitage Ave. 10 S. Kedzie St. 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 845 W. 69th St. 8759 S. Commercial Ave. For more information about cooling centers, call the city’s non-emergency hotline at 311. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
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