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Nassau University Medical Center President and CEO, Dr. Victor F. Politi is Providing Tips Due to Extreme Heat Alert from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP                                         Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq.,

President/CEO                                                                             Chairman Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2017

 

PRESS CONTACT:

Shelley Lotenberg

shelley@numc.edu

516-572-6055

 

EAST MEADOW, NY (June 12, 2017) – Dr. Victor F. Politi, President/CEO of the NuHealth System/NUMC is encouraging Long Islanders to stay cool and avoid heat-related illness.

“Extreme heat can be fatal, especially for older adults,” said Dr. Politi “We are encouraging Long Islanders to take action to avoid heat-related illness during the unusually hot and humid conditions expected for the next 48 hours.”

Dr. Politi also reiterated the “poor air quality advisory” issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservations, warning, “People with respiratory problems, such as asthma, should take extra precaution and try to avoid physically strenuous activities while outside.”

In a typical year, extreme heat is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other weather event. Dr. Politi and the staff at Nassau University Medical Center recommend prevention as the best defense and endorse the following prevention tips as outlined by the Center for Disease Control:

*  Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

*  Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

*  Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

*  Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

*  Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

*  NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

*  Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

*  Infants and young children

*  People aged 65 or older

*  People who have a mental illness

*  Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

*  Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching

If you must be out in the heat:

*  Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

*  Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.

*  Try to rest often in shady areas.

*  Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life.  Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community.  By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.

For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.