With an increase in heat-related illnesses after the recent heat wave, the Department of Community Health urges residents to be careful when temperatures rise.
“After the 10 day period at the beginning of July the number (of visits) increased by 89 percent from the previous 10 days in June. We went from 389 to 734 heat-related visits in the emergency department,” Angela Minicuci, public information officer for the Department of Community Health, said. “It definitely is important to be cautious, especially because heat is increasing in Michigan again. We don’t want to see this many people jumping to the emergency department.”
National Weather Service Meteorologist Ernie Ostuno attributes the recent dry weather to the record-setting temperatures.
“We get these high temperatures because the dry ground heats up — wet ground absorbs solar energy. It has to do with drought really,” Ostuno said. “You’re not going to have super hot temperatures without really dry ground. It’s a result of several weeks of dry weather.”
When it gets between 90 to 100 degrees, which it has more this summer than in the previous 24 years, Minicuci said it’s important to take preventative measures and keep yourself cooled down.
“One of the body’s natural defenses (against the heat) is to sweat, but if your body doesn’t have enough water, it loses the ability to cool down and gets hotter and hotter,” Minicuci said. “So drink water and stay in the shade … take a cool bath or shower, or go for a swim.”
Minicuci also said different groups are more susceptible to heat-related illness and should be careful when it gets hot.
“There are a couple populations that are especially vulnerable — the elderly, children and pets,” Minicuci said. “We advise you to check on neighbors and loved ones to see if they need any help to stay cool, and stay safe.”
For students who don’t have air conditioning, cooling centers in the area can offer a break from the high temperatures.
“(Cooling centers) typically open when temperatures in Michigan rise. You can find them by calling the health department and asking,” Minicuci said. “(Students should) visit places where they can cool off — stores, libraries, public access buildings, anywhere to get some brief relief from the heat.”
For studio art junior Melynda Kloc, not having her usual escape from the heat is frustrating.
“I’m from a beach town, so I hate not being able to just go to the lake when it’s hot,” Kloc said.
With potential showers later in the week, Otsuno said there might be relief on the horizon.
“An inch or two of rain later in week would help moderate high temperatures for the next few weeks,” Ostuno said. “This is the warmest part of the year. With the days getting shorter, temperatures will start to cool down.”
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