Health News
With extreme heat blazing over the state this weekend, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services urges the public to avoid leaving children in vehicles.
"Extreme temperatures are cause for concern, so we advise the public to take necessary steps to keep cool and prevent harm," said Dr. Steve Davis, acting commissioner for public health. "Serious injury ? particularly for children exposed to extreme levels of heat ? can occur. Everyone should take steps to avoid these dangers."
Last year, 33 children died of heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia. In 2010, there were 49 deaths, according to a cabinet press release.
More than half of child heat stroke deaths happen because parents and caregivers forget the child is in the car. To prevent this from happening, drivers should place a cell phone, purse or briefcase on the floor in front of the child to trigger their awareness. They can also set an alarm to remember to drop their child off at day care.
Parents should not underestimate the risk, since vehicles can heat up very quickly even on relatively cool days. A child's body temperature increases three to five times faster than adults, making them especially vulnerable to heat.
Thirty percent of heat stroke deaths happen because a child was playing in a vehicle that was left unattended. Parents should remember to lock the vehicles to avoid the children being able to enter them.
If a bystander sees a child unattended in a car, he or she could call 911 immediately. (Read more)
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Health News
Don't leave children in hot vehicles this weekend, officials warn
With extreme heat blazing over the state this weekend, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services urges the public to avoid leaving children in vehicles.
"Extreme temperatures are cause for concern, so we advise the public to take necessary steps to keep cool and prevent harm," said Dr. Steve Davis, acting commissioner for public health. "Serious injury ? particularly for children exposed to extreme levels of heat ? can occur. Everyone should take steps to avoid these dangers."
Last year, 33 children died of heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia. In 2010, there were 49 deaths, according to a cabinet press release.
More than half of child heat stroke deaths happen because parents and caregivers forget the child is in the car. To prevent this from happening, drivers should place a cell phone, purse or briefcase on the floor in front of the child to trigger their awareness. They can also set an alarm to remember to drop their child off at day care.
Parents should not underestimate the risk, since vehicles can heat up very quickly even on relatively cool days. A child's body temperature increases three to five times faster than adults, making them especially vulnerable to heat.
Thirty percent of heat stroke deaths happen because a child was playing in a vehicle that was left unattended. Parents should remember to lock the vehicles to avoid the children being able to enter them.
If a bystander sees a child unattended in a car, he or she could call 911 immediately. (Read more)
- Logan Co. Schools Work To Keep Kids And Bus Drivers Hydrated During Hot, Humid Days; Here Are Tips For Dealing With Heat
With temperatures soaring into the high 90s and the heat index over 100, the new Logan County school superintendent made sure the students and bus drivers were well hydrated last week, O.J. Stapleton reports for the Russellville News Democrat &...
- Tips To Keep Children Safe From The Dangers Of Summer Heat
While enjoying time with family on the boat, at church picnics, in the backyard or at the beach, be sure to keep kids safe during the summer heat. Heat can trigger three major illnesses, says Dr. Eric Kirkendall of Cincinnati Children's...
- This Is Child Abuse Awareness Month; Tips For Prevention
April is child abuse awareness month, and the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services is reminding Kentuckians that it's the law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. "Protecting our children should be everyone's number one...
- Handling A Heat Wave
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom If you?re thinking that this summer seems a lot hotter than others, you?re right. We?ve had a few spells of extremely hot and humid weather. A few easy steps can help you prevent heat-related illness, like heat exhaustion, or...
- Staying Cool In The Summer
As Baltimore residents stagger through another week of high temperatures, health experts once again are stressing the importance of staying hydrated. Chandresh Shelat, M.D., Sinai ER-7, spoke with WJZ-TV last week about the heat. "Your blood pressure...