Baby It's HOT Outside! [Video]

Summer is nearly two weeks away but you wouldn't know it as temperatures soared into the mid 90s and with the humidity, it felt as though the mercury was well over 100 degrees.

As the weather system that has enveloped the Northeast with conditions more common in August, environmental officials have issued health advisories for Thursday. The DEP is forecasting that the ozone level in the state today will be moderate to unhealthy for those with air quality sensitivities.

There are hundreds of people who have to endure the unseasonably hot weather including the traffic officers stationed along Greenwich Avenue in downtown Greenwich.

Officer Lisa Ruiz said she didn't mind fulfilling her duty directing traffic at The Avenue's major intersection with Havemeyer Place and Arch Street. With frequent breaks, bottles of water and an occasional coffee, Ruiz said her stints "are not inhumane for us. It's pretty much what we're trained for. For me personally, the hotter the better. I love it."

With a bottle of water tucked into the side pocket of her black, uniform shorts, she adds, "It's great to get to meet a lot people. They appreciate what we're doing out here. Some of them bring us water or coffee and cookies." Besides water, Ruiz said it's best to be prepared with sunblock with at minimum of SPF 30.

With the noontime temperatures well into the 90s, Ruiz said Wednesday's mid-day vehicular and pedestrian traffic was lighter than normal. "I think a lot of people stayed inside because of the heat. By now it would be pretty crowded," said the department veteran of two years as few people waited to cross the busy intersection.

The hot, sticky weather has prompted both federal and state environmental officials to issue air quality warnings in the state. While the federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued air quality warnings for coastal Connecticut, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection has issued its own air quality warnings today for several counties in the state, including Fairfield County.

Want to know how to beat the heat? Here's a few tips from Dr. Anthony Ardolino, senior associate dean of academic and student affairs at the Quinnipiac University School of Medicine:

Common sense – limit exposure to sun and use sunscreen; loose clothing, hats or sun umbrellas, light fabrics, avoid strenuous outside activities during daylight.
Most important – liquids – drink water frequently, including before entering the heat. The single most important way to prevent heat stroke is to be well hydrated (to allow sweating/evaporation which cools). In contrast, limit intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which are both diuretics and may lead to dehydration.

Less intuitive – wear light colors, which reflect sunlight (black absorbs); if exercise/strenuous work is required, do it early or late in the day; patients on certain medications are at greater risk (diuretics for hypertension, etc. - patients should check with their healthcare provider); if physical activity is required, do not use antiperspirants (again, sweating cools).

Warning signs – worsening fatigue, fever, confusion, light-headedness, dry skin – when sweating stops, it is time to worry and drink liquids.
People at the extremes of age (very young and elders) are at risk, as are overweight people (less surface area compared to body weight, so less evaporation).
And if you're looking to cool off, you can always jump in the water at one of Greenwich''s beaches or make use of the Byram Park pool.

Also check out the advisories from the and the Heart Association for tips on coping with the stifling heat.

The Greenwich Department of Health notes that heat-related illnesses are a Public Health threat.  All residents, especially persons who are young, elderly, have medical or mental health conditions, use medications that impede body temperature regulation, those who do not have air conditioning and people who are socially isolated are encouraged to pay special attention.

Staying healthy during a heat wave is important.  Here are some common-sense practices that should be followed along with knowing about heat related illnesses.

• Keep children and pets inside, except for brief stays outdoors.  Always avoid direct sunlight exposure
• If you don’t have to go out, stay indoors.  Spend time in air-conditioning if possible.  Electric fans can also be used to exhaust air from rooms.  Do not use them to blow air on yourself.
• Avoid strenuous activities as much as possible.  Early morning and evening hours are best if you must exercise
• Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity.  Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or those with large amounts of sugar and salt.  Those who are on a restricted fluid intake should check with their physician
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle
• Don’t leave food items in the car or outdoors – food spoils quickly
• Take a cool shower, bath or move into an air conditioned space to cool off
• Eat light, cool, easy to digest foods
• Rest often in shady areas, especially if you are working outdoors
• Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen with UV protection of 15 or higher.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Visit or regularly check on:

*  infants and young children

* people over age 65 and frail elderly

* those who have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease) or mental illness (cognitive and psychiatric disorders)

Medical Conditions Attributable to Excessive Heat Exposure

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness could save your life:

Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency.  Call for emergency medical assistance immediately by dialing 9-1-1.  If possible, move the person into a cool or air-conditioned environment.  Signs of heat stroke may include headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, high body temperature, difficulty breathing, rapid and strong pulse.  Skin may be hot and dry or the person may be sweating.  Reduce body temperature with air-conditioning, fanning, water sponging and remove clothing if necessary.  Avoid giving fluids.

¨     Heat exhaustion – This condition will give rise to heavy sweating, weakness and cool, pale clammy skin.  The person may experience muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting.  Although body temperature may be normal there will be a weak pulse.  Move the person out of the sun into a cool environment and apply a cool wet cloth while they are lying down.  Give sips of water until feeling better, however if vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

¨     Heat cramps – This condition will give rise to painful cramps and muscle spasms in the legs or abdomen.  Heavy sweating may also be present.  Move the person out of the heat into a cool environment and gently massage the cramping muscle.  Give sips of water unless nausea occurs or there are fluid restrictions.

Heat related illness and death can be preventable by knowing the symptoms and risk factors that contribute to them.  Spending a few hours in an air conditioned location can help your body stay cooler.  If you don’t have air conditioning, try:

• Spending time with friends or family members who do
• Visit Greenwich libraries
• Visit shopping malls
• Go to the movies

For more information contact the Greenwich Department of Health by calling 622-7836 or at www.greenwichct.org

It’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.  If you can, exercise with a friend, because it’s safer — and more fun — to have someone at your side. Here are some other tips:

• Get off on the right foot. You probably sweat the most in your shoes, so choose well-ventilated shoes and look for socks that repel perspiration. Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help with sweat.
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat. Add a hat and/or sunglasses.
• Drink up. Before you get started, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours. Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after your exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular breaks. Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again.

Whatever you do, don’t throw in the towel, Fletcher said. “Don’t NOT exercise — adapt!”

Be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• headaches
• heavy sweating 
• cold, moist skin, chills 
• dizziness or fainting (syncope) 
• a weak and rapid pulse 
• muscle cramps 
• fast, shallow breathing 
• nausea, vomiting or both

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and rehydrating. You may need to seek medical attention.

Know these symptoms of heat stroke:

• warm, dry skin with no sweating 
• strong and rapid pulse 
• confusion and/or unconsciousness 
• high fever 
• throbbing headaches 
• nausea, vomiting or both

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.