Town of Bridgton

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HEALTH OFFICER

[Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Update for Maine Clinicians, September, 2008]

A few safety tips to keep in mind from Public Health Officer, Faye Garland.

Sun Safety
v     The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim, sunglasses, and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
v     Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10a.m. and 4p.m.
v     In addition to using a thick layer of sun block with an SPF of 15 or higher once your child is 6 months old (keep younger kids out of the sun), you should be sure to apply it about 30 minutes before your kids will be out of the sun and reapply it every few hours or more often if your kids are swimming. Apply it even on cloudy days.
v     Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

Pool Safety
      Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool.
      Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach.
      Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
      Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties”. They are not a substitute for approved flotation devises and can give children a false sense of security.
      Keep rescue equipment and a portable telephone near the pool.
      Make sure your day care provider follows all licensing requirements that pertain to swimming activities.

Beach Safety
Ø      Stay within the posted swimming areas, where the lifeguard can see you. Obey all rules and posted signs.
Ø      Never swim alone.
Ø      Make sure to always have enough energy to swim back to shore.
Ø      Stay away from piers, pilings and diving platforms when in the water.

These are only a few pointers to guide you through the heat and sun of summer, however, common sense is the main rule we all must follow. Summer is a time of year most everyone looks forward to, so lets have fun and keep it safe.

Town of Bridgton Cautions People Against Heat-Related Illness

With the high temperatures in the State, the Local Health Officer reminds people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.

When the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently by sweating, the body temperature rises and people begin to experience symptoms indicating distress. Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and/or fatigue are symptoms of heat exhaustion, which generally occurs when people exercise or work in hot, humid conditions and body fluids are lost. If the patient is not treated, with cool beverages, seeking air conditioning, rest, and removing heavy clothing, heat stroke can result.

The symptoms of heat stroke are red skin that is hot to the touch; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The temperature may rise dramatically and the patient’s skin may feel dry. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, they should be moved to a cool place and be cooled down with water if possible, and emergency medical help should be called immediately because heat stroke can be life threatening.

Children and seniors are more at risk of heat-related illness but anyone can suffer from them under the right circumstances. There are simple, common-sense precautions to take, including remaining in an air conditioned environment whenever possible, which is the number one protective measure, drinking plenty of fluids, but avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity.

--Faye Daley, Local Health Officer

--(207) 647-8786
--health@bridgtonmaine.org

AUGUSTA - Governor John E. Baldacci unveiled a new Web page for consumers and businesses eager to find ways to reduce their energy costs. Part of a continuing effort to empower Maine people with information, the Governor said that prior to the development of this Web page, energy resources were scattered among various State government and private Internet sites, making information difficult to find.
http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/policy/energy.shtml

Faye Daley, Health Officer
3 Chase Street, Suite 1
Bridgton, ME 40009
(207) 647-8786
health@bridgtonmaine.org

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