Hot and humid conditions like those associated with summer in Indiana pose a real risk for heat-related illness, especially when the temperature rises above 90 degrees and the humidity exceeds 30 percent. These two factors combine to create the heat index. A heat index of 105 degrees is considered the level where many people begin to experience extreme discomfort or physical stress.
“Any heat wave should be taken seriously,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Public Health Department. “Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone who does not use proper preventative measures,” said Dr. Caine.
Elderly people, infants, the chronically ill, overweight people and persons on certain medications are most susceptible to heat-related illness. Those with cardiac or pulmonary problems also are at higher risk in this type of weather.
Never leave infants, children or pets in parked cars under any circumstances, especially in hot and humid weather conditions.
The threat to senior citizens is heightened because they generally don’t sweat as efficiently as younger people, thus making it more difficult to adjust to high heat and humidity. Those age three and under also are more likely to experience heat-related illness.
Aspiring babysitters encouraged to take health department safety class
The Marion County Public Health Department is accepting reservations for its popular Safe Sitter classes. The daylong classes provide valuable health and safety information for individuals ages 11 through 14.
During the class students will learn about how to respond to emergencies including choking and how to decide what situations require emergency attention. The classes also teach babysitters how to keep themselves safe while babysitting.
There is a $20 fee, class size is limited and pre-registration is required. The class schedule is:
Friday, July 15
Marion County Public
Health Department
South District Health Office
503 E. National Ave.
Thursday, July 21
Marion County Public Health
Department Action Health Center
2868 N. Pennsylvania St.
Saturday, October 15
Marion County Public
Health Department
3838 N. Rural St.
For more information or to enroll in a class, call the Marion County Public Health Department at (317) 221-5729.
Free tire drop off event set for June 11
The Marion County Public Health Department’s successful Tire Amnesty Day program will be held June 11 from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. at three Indianapolis locations.
Sponsored by the mosquito control program, Tire Amnesty Day collects tires at no charge. Collection points include:
Mosquito Control, 4001 E. 21st St.
Southeast Community Organization (SECO), 1925 Fletcher Ave.
J.R.’s Used Tires, 3519 W. 10th St.
Marion County residents can bring up to six passenger car tires, off of the rim, to the drop off locations. This is for individuals, not tire dealers or other businesses. All tires collected will be recycled.
“The dark color of the tire attracts and retains heat, holds enough water to hatch eggs and offers protection from predators and chemical treatments,” said Chuck Dulla, administrator, mosquito control.
During the last two years, the Tire Amnesty Day program has collected nearly 5,000 unwanted tires.
