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Be Careful Of The Approaching Summer Heat

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Heat can be a killer and a local health professional says take precautions for both you, your neighbors and your pets.

Thursday is Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin, a campaign from state Emergency Management.

Dawn Klink is a public health nurse with Oneida county.

She says while heat affects most people in various ways, some people can get into trouble in the heat...

"....elderly and small children are at risk. If you're taking certain types of medications it can make you more at risk and it will say right on the bottle that you should avoid being in the sun. You're more likely to have side-effects from the medication that your taking. You should not stop taking the medication but stay in a cool environment, and drink plenty of water."

Klink says it's a good time to check on your neighbors, especially if they're elderly.

Three related conditions, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and cramps can occur. Heatstroke is caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 degrees. Heat Exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating.

Klink says also don't forget your pets. She says leaving them in a vehicle during the heat could be tragic....

"....if it's 80 degrees outside, even with your windows cracked, it can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes. It's important to leave the air conditioning running or leave your pets at home in the air conditioning...."

Klink says there are cool places like libraries, grocery stores or the movie theater to go to.

Nationally, more than 600 people die each year in heat-related illnesses. 26 people died in Wisconsin from heat in 2012. The forecast is for temperatures to warm into the 80's this weekend.

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