By Team King County Public Health for Runta News
It is going to be a hot summer in western Washington, according to local weather forecasters. We don’t often think of the Pacific Northwest as a hot region, but because of climate change, temperatures are rising. That can be a health issue because whenever there’s a heat wave, our region sees a spike in the number of people who have serious health problems like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure. Since many of our houses and apartments here in the Pacific Northwest are not equipped with air conditioning, that means it’s extra important to know what steps you can take to stay cool on hot days.
Do you know your sensitivity to heat?
The mild climate in the Pacific Northwest makes us more sensitive to the heat, especially after a long period of cold and wet weather. Some people feel the heat more than others and should take extra care when the temperature goes up, such as:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Young children (especially at high risk in parked cars)
- People with chronic health conditions or mental illness
- People living unsheltered or homeless
- Outdoor workers
- Athletes who exercise outdoors
Some medications can also make it harder to stay hydrated and control body temperature in the heat, including those for allergies and colds, thyroid, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss. Diabetes and other health conditions can also make you at higher risk for health problems when it’s hot. Ask your doctor if you may be more sensitive to heat.
If you are at higher risk, be extra careful to stay cool, drink water, and take breaks if you’re feeling overheated.
How to stay safe in the heat
If you don’t have air conditioning, keep your living space cool during hot weather by closing the curtains or blinds to keep out the sun, and use fans to circulate air—a bowl of ice under the fan can help cool the air. Sometimes it’s hotter inside than out. If it gets too hot inside, go outside and find shade. Visit public places that have air conditioning, such as libraries, malls, and community centers. If you feel yourself overheating, put cold and damp towels on your head, take a cool shower, and slowly sip cool drinks to stay hydrated.
Visit kingcounty.gov/BeatTheHeat for more tips on staying cool.
