Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Protect Your Health When It's Hot

During summer months, hot weather can be hard to take. High heat can cause health problems, especially for seniors, pregnant woman, infants, and children. You also need to be careful if you:

• Have a chronic medical condition
• Take certain prescription and non-prescription medications (read the labels, and talk to your doctor and pharmacist)
• Are over 50 or under 5
• Are obese
• Have had a previous heat-related illness
• Have been drinking alcohol
• Use IV drugs
• Work in a high heat environment
• Engage in strenuous physical activity

Be a Buddy

Check elderly friends and neighbors, as well as those with medical conditions. During extreme heat conditions, the Philadelphia Health Commissioner declares a heat emergency whenever the temperature and relative humidity index exceeds 105F. For further assistance, call the Heat Emergency Hotline at 215-765-9040.

For more information on staying safe this summer, download the Stay Cool Guide or visit the Extreme Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.