The lectures, approved for two CME credits by Nassau County REMSCO are free of charge and open to area EMS and Ambulance personnel and local fire department rescue squads. For information about future dates, call 516-256-6353.
Tips to prevent heat related illnesses
Seniors, small children, people with chronic illnesses, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anti-cholinergics), and persons with weight and alcoholism problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during warm and humid weather. If you know anyone with one of these conditions, call or visit them during a heat wave, especially if they live alone.Here are some heat wave safety tips: Slow Down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy, kidney, or liver disease or (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult their doctor before increasing their consumption of fluid. Do not drink alcohol beverages.Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment like a shopping mall that affords some protection.Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation more difficult.If any person experiences heat stroke or exhaustion, get medical help immediately. Symptoms of heat-related illness may include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low pulse rate, disorientation, unconsciousness or convulsion. Other symptoms may include cold, pale and clammy or hot, flushed dry skin.
Ozone reporting
The Nassau County Department of Health's air pollution laboratory in Hempstead has started its seasonal reporting of ozone pollution. For current ozone readings or additional information regarding ozone, call the Department's Public Health Laboratories' 24-hour line at 572-1200 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.Although ozone in the upper atmosphere performs an important protection function by filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, ozone near the ground is a pollutant. It is a highly reactive gas and is one of the components of smog.Ground level ozone is a health concern because high concentrations may irritate nasal, throat and bronchial tissues.Those who are especially sensitive to the effects of ozone exposure include the very young, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory ailments. Respiratory symptoms resulting from ozone exposure may include shortness of breath, chest pain, throat irritation, cough and wheezing.In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) constantly monitors ozone levels throughout the state and issues health advisories in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health when they predict elevated ozone levels. The advisories are aired through media and available on the New York State DEC toll-free Ozone hotline telephone number: 1-800-535-1345.
Mid-summer blood drive at NCC
Nassau Community College, in conjunction with Nassau University Medical center, will host its eighth annual Mid-Summer Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 23, from 8 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., on the 11th floor of Nassau Community College's Administrative Tower. NCC invites members of the community to join our efforts and become donors at our college site.Nassau Community College is continuing its cooperative effort with Nassau University Medical Center to supply a substantial percentage of the blood needs of this major trauma center. The Mid-Summer blood drive is held at a time when it is essential that all healthy donors make a conscientious effort to participate. Increases in driving accidents and athletic injuries, along with the usual need for blood products make this a critical time of year for our local blood bank. Many centers are forced to import blood from other parts of the world.Make an appointment to give blood by calling Professor Arthur Friedman at NCC, 516-572-7883, or just stop in on Wednesday, July 23 and say, "I want to be a blood donor!" The process takes less than an hour and refreshments will be served to participants.Blood donors must be at least 17 years old and in good health. Donors should come with some personal identification. We also ask that donors eat before donating (little snacks will be provided).
