The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is reminding people that when there is prolonged heat, people's health can be at risk. The HSA has information on dealing with the heat on their Web site at www.schsa.org. The HSA also has medical professionals that are willing to serve as subject matter experts for media coverage on heat-related issues.

Dr. John Payne, public health officer for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency said, "When the temperature goes up, people need to remember there are two different heat-related illnesses. "Heat exhaustion is identified by flu-like symptoms, fatigue and sweating. Heat stroke is more severe and is recognized by a sudden stop of sweat, rapid rise of body temperature or seizures."

Payne added, "It's important for people to remember if they are going to be outside on really hot days to wear a hat, limit exposure whenever possible and drink plenty of fluids. Water or sports drinks are preferable to other types of beverages that may actually deplete the body of needed fluids."

"Children and the elderly can be especially susceptible to the heat. We encourage people to check-in with family members and friends who might be living alone, to make sure they are not suffering from heat-related issues," Payne stated.

He also said certain psychiatric, hypertension, and cardiac medications limit the body's ability to cope with high temperatures by sweating. The reason these medications may cause trouble is that they restrict the body's ability to sweat, and sweating is the main way the body cools itself.

HSA web resources on heat include the following information:

• What to do when the temperature is rising
• Tips for staying cool during intense heat periods
• Preparing for and coping with heat
• Tips for coping during a heat wave
• Heat Disorders
• National Weather Service info on heat issues

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 9 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 400,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.schsa.org