As summer reaches its peak – and with a hazardous heat watch in the forecast starting Sunday – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to avoid activities that could lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Older adults, infants and children, as well as people who live or work outdoors, and people with chronic medical conditions, are most vulnerable to the impacts of high temperatures.

OHA offers these tips for staying safe and healthy during extreme heat:

Stay in air-conditioned places if possible and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day (typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Schedule outdoor activities in early morning or late evening.
Use portable fans to bring in cooler air and push warmer air out of rooms and spaces, but don’t use portable fans as the primary cooling source if indoor temperature are above 90 degrees, because that can bring on heat stroke.
People who don’t have air conditioners can find cooler indoor air with friends or family, or at designated cooling centers, when available.
Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths, and wear loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working outside, avoid alcohol or liquids with large amounts of sugar, and limit caffeine intake.
Never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars.

“Our experience with the 2021 heat dome taught us that extreme temperatures are a real danger in Oregon,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, environmental public health section manager at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“We can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by recognizing their symptoms, taking steps to stay safe, and caring for our vulnerable family members and friends,” she said.

Learn the warning signs for heat illnesses at healthoregon.org/heat.

Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, sweating, nausea and more. Heat stroke, which is even more dangerous, includes these symptoms as well as body temperatures above 103 degrees, severe headache, and confusion or loss of consciousness, and can rapidly lead to death.

People can avoid heat-related illnesses by keeping up to date on the heat risk and heat index. Heat-related illnesses can develop in as little as 15 minutes whether someone is indoors or outdoors.

Some heat-related illnesses can be managed at home or at urgent care. However, if you or someone you see is experiencing confusion or unconsciousness due to heat exposure, call 911.

Oregon has several programs that may provide extreme weather relief or benefits:

CCO Flexible Services Program: Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members enrolled in a coordinated care organization (CCO) may be able to receive items or services that are not regular OHP benefits, but that can help you stay healthy or become healthier. More information about these services can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/dsi-tc/Pages/Health-Related-Services-OHP-Member-Information.aspx.
OHP HRSN Home Changes for Health during Extreme Weather benefits: OHP members may be eligible for devices/equipment during extreme weather—https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Climate-Supports.aspx. Members interested in requesting devices can contact their coordinated care organization to see if they qualify.

If an OHP member is unsure which plan or CCO they are enrolled in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com.

Since many people head to public and private pools to cool off when temperatures are high, OHA has shared guidance that breastfeeding an infant or small child is acceptable in swimming pool areas.

A link to the directive, including the section on breastfeeding, is available at http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/PoolsLodging/Documents/InfoSheetBreastfeedingatPools12062012x.pdf. Oregon Revised Statute 109.001, https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_109.001, protects a person’s right to breastfeed in public and has been in place since 1999.

Oregon residents can also reach out to 211info to find local county and city resources and visit the cooling centers web page.

Source: Oregon Health Authority

Bill Handel