Dr. Carla Fry, PhD, MSN, RN administrator of the Department of Health in Monroe County, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about heat related illnesses.
Despite it being the beginning of September, it’s still pretty hot in the Keys.
Dr. Fry said, “I guess we pretty much have an endless summer here in Monroe County. So we’re always talking about these things. It’s important for people to know that heat causes more deaths than any other extreme weather events around the globe. So while it might be one of those quiet things that people don’t think about quite as much as being deadly, it really is one of those dangerous phenomenons we need to worry about.”
Heat stroke is a big one that can cause real problems.
Dr. Fry explained, “There’s a classic heat stroke with the older generation. Then there’s also exertional, so people who are young and out there running, which I can’t imagine doing, but a lot of people do, still run in this heat. Pregnant women are at an increased risk as well. They’re a little bit more vulnerable. It is important that people understand the difference between a heat stroke and between heat exhaustion. Now heat exhaustion, you may be able to get to a cool place and lie down and be okay. You’re feeling super, super hot, but you’re still sweating. But when you get into that realm of heat stroke, now, your body has lost the ability to even compensate, so there is no more sweating. Your skin is going to be hot and dry, as opposed to perspiration. So it’s a very distinct difference and when you get to the point of heat stroke, a lot of times, people will become disoriented, they might even have seizures, they might lose consciousness. It is an absolute medical emergency. That is a 911 event.”
What are some precautions that could be taken?
Dr. Fry said, “Stay hydrated. And alcohol and caffeine don’t count. They actually act to sort of dehydrate the body. So we want to make sure that if there is alcohol or caffeine in the mix, we’re certainly adding in the water or the Gatorade. I also like to caution people not to make their homemade concoction. Don’t think that you should drink salt in your water or anything like that. That kind of stuff can be dangerous. So stick to water, the sports drinks.”
Air conditioning is very important.
Dr. Fry said, “Unfortunately, we have some people in the Keys, I’m sure, all over the United States, that may struggle to pay their electric bills, things like that. If someone is vulnerable and their AC is out because the electric is out, that’s a call right away to Keys Energy or to the authorities. That’s the unfortunate kinds of things that can happen is somebody sitting at home without AC, they think they’re okay, and they’re really not.”
If you’re outside a lot, frequent breaks are important. Loose fitting clothing, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat are also a good idea.
Dr. Fry said, “If you are going to have sun exposure, you want to make sure that your sunscreen is applied and reapplied often, and also that it’s not expired. The stuff doesn’t just last forever, and sometimes it’s hard to find that expiration date. If you’re in doubt, go ahead and buy some new sunscreen.”
Water safety and drowning prevention is also important.
Dr. Fry said, “It’s definitely preventable, and we’re doing all that we can here in Monroe County to try to get that awareness out there and help keep people safe. The big thing, really, that I’d say, the huge tip, is kids, when they’re near the water or they’re in the water, and this includes bathtubs, we’re not just talking about being in the ocean or being in the swimming pool, they need to be closely supervised. You really need to have eyes on them at all times. We have all kinds of technology out there, sensors and things, but nothing replaces just straight line of sight watching your children.”
Swim lessons are available.
Dr. Fry said, “We want everyone to know how to swim. It’s so important in a place that’s surrounded by water, so learning how to swim, there are instructions offered at the College of the Florida Keys, Founders Park, Jacobs Aquatic Park of the Keys as well. There may be some fees involved and FDOH is trying to help out a little bit with that as well.”
Mosquito borne diseases also come along with the warm weather, and keeping mosquitoes outside of the home is one good way to start with prevention.
Dr. Fry said, “Definitely keep doors and windows shut this time of year. It’s not even the right weather to have your windows open. So keep everything closed up. Repair any holes, if you have holes in the screens, things like that, try to use the AC, keeping the humidity down in your house, those kinds of things can help keep them out. Something that you wouldn’t even think about, the cat and dog dish, if they have a dish of water and you leave it sit for very long, mosquitoes will breed right on the side of that fresh water in a dog bowl. So you definitely need to keep it clean, for the dog’s sake, but also to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your house.”
Long sleeves help keep mosquitoes off the body.
Dr. Fry said, “We want to have long sleeves covered as much of the body as possible, especially if you’re working outside. Wearing insect repellent is super important and that insect repellent really needs to be something that is going to contain DEET. It needs to be an approved insect repellent containing DEET. If you are outside a lot and you’re wearing sunscreen, you apply the sunscreen first, and then you apply the insect repellent, and you want to make sure that you reapply every couple of hours.”
There have been three local cases of Dengue fever in the Upper Keys.
Dr. Fry said, “We did have a total of three, all in that same area, in Key Largo, and we’ve been able to hold it to three local cases. I just can’t say enough about Mosquito Control and their vigilance. We’ve done as much as we can to get awareness out there. We’re using door hanging signs, all the kind of stuff we can do to help people remember they need to keep all of that standing water away from their house. So, doing the rounds every single week, every couple of days, really, this time of year, again, to get make sure there’s no standing water.”
For more information, click here: https://monroe.floridahealth.gov/