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Thursday May 24 2012

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2004

Keeping Healthy In The Heat

Hydration and shade are the keys to weathering the heat

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Anchorage, Alaska - - - Most Alaskans spend all winter hoping for warmth and sunshine. Now some are hoping for shade and a break from the high temperatures. To help prevent overheating and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, is reminding Alaskans to stay hydrated and cool this summer in the midst of recent record-breaking temperatures across the state. Also, due the wildfires in the Interior, some parts of the state are experiencing much smoke in the air that can compound health concerns in the hot weather.

  • “After spending months in the cold and dark, most people want to spend as much time as possible during the summer outside enjoying the warmth and bright sunny skies. Recreation and exercise are important for everyone, but we have to keep certain precautions in mind when the heat rises,” says Public Health Director Richard Mandsager, M.D.
  • “It is especially critical that we remember to protect our children by not leaving them in closed, parked vehicles while the temperatures remain high. Just as extreme cold can be deadly, so too can extreme heat,” he adds.
  • Public Health officials recommend the following tips for staying healthy in hot weather:
  • Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level
  • Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid
  • If outdoors, try to do most activity in the shade or when the sun is not directly overhead
  • Protect your eyes and skin with sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
  • Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle
  • Check regularly on those at greatest risk of heat-related illness: infants and young children, elderly, and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

Additional information on hot weather tips and heat-related illnesses can be found on the following websites:

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For more information, please contact

Kerre Fisher
(907) 269-2042

Sherry Hill
(907) 465-1618