July - August 2009
Heat Advisory - Level I Hot Weather Health Watch Now in Effect
San Antonio and Bexar County are officially in a Level I Hot Weather Health Watch. For two consecutive days in early June, the National Weather Service reported a heat index of 90 degrees or greater. Under the City’s Heat Plan, those conditions warranted the Level I activation.
The following health precautions are recommended under a Level I alert to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses:
• Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices. Avoid other products that dehydrate the body such as energy drinks and sodas.
• Be aware of those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age or individuals who are overweight. Check on elderly parents, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors often.
• Do not leave infants, children, the elderly or pets unattended in a parked car (even if the windows are down or the air conditioning is on) or any other hot environment.
• Plan to exercise and do other strenuous activities early or late in the day when it is cooler. Do not attempt to spend extended periods of time in the heat, especially if your body has not been acclimated to the conditions. Acclimatization to extreme weather conditions normally takes 10 – 14 days.
• If outdoors, use an umbrella or hat and sun screen and wear loose-fitting and light clothing. Rest frequently in a shady area.
• Ask your physician whether you are at particular risk because of medication. Some medicines dehydrate the body.
• If you feel any symptoms of heat illness such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or headache, immediately stop all activity and move to a cooler area to rest and drink fluids. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.
• Remember to leave fresh water for outdoor pets and provide as much shade as possible. Change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Additional recommendations for pet care, outdoor athletic training and special events are included in the City’s Heat Plan.
Level II of the plan was temporarily active from July 9 - 13 but was deactivated on July 14. During the hot summer days, the Hot Weather Health Watch (Level I) will not be deactivated. Metro Health encourages the public to contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617, or visit its website for current hourly weather.
For Further Assistance:
• If you have an emergency, call 911.
• For utility assistance, call CPS Energy: 353-2222.
• For Project COOL fan assistance, call the United Way Help Line: 211 or 227-4357.
• For emergency utility help (electric, gas, water, etc.), call the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives at 207-7830 or Bexar County Direct Client Services Division at 335-6770.
For more information about the Heat Plan, click here or call Metro Health at 207-2145.
In the Community
Metro Health team members joined other members of the City Volunteer Corp for the 2nd Annual Pet Spa Day at Animal Care Services this spring. The volunteers bathed dogs and prepared pets for adoption. They also planted trees, painted, and performed other 'home improvement' tasks for ACS' one-year old facility. Thanks team for your
time and concern for our
four-legged friends!
Featured Employee
Erica Haller Stevenson is a
Senior Management Analyst with the Steps to a Healthier San Antonio program and the braintrust behind our new newsletter name. Meet Erica...
Did you know...?
Metro Health produced its inaugural annual report for fiscal year
2007-2008. The publication highlights the department's programs, services and accomplishments.
Metro Health has an Advisory Board of Health which advises and makes recommendations on the health functions of the department to the Director of Health and the governing bodies of the City and County.
Current ABOH members include...
Metro Health routinely hosts medical students for public health clinical rotations. Meet the current visitors from the Netherlands.
In the News
New food handler rules take effect in January 2010.
Read more or watch the KENS 5 video
New weight gain guidelines for pregnant women. Read more...
Snapshot of Health
Congratulations to
Executive
Secretary Theresa (Tessie) Medina, a role model for a healthy pregnancy and weight gain. Tessie gave birth to her second child, Madeleine Nicole, on June 9.
20-inch long Madeleine weighed
8 lbs. and 4 oz.
Healthy Link
Join Metro Health for a two-day comprehensive conference.
The Changing Face of STIs, HIV & TB:
Issues from a Clinical, Behavioral and Partner Services viewpoint.
September 17-18
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 318 W. Durango
More info here...
The Health Collaborative, in
partnership with the San Antonio Zoo, will host a Fitness Safari on
Friday, July 17 from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All children visiting the zoo during the safari can participate in nine fitness activities that relate to fitness attributes of certain animals.
Children receive a token after completing each activity. Youngsters with five or more tokens can redeem them for a fitness-related toy.
Dedication on Display
Assistant Social Services Manager Yolanda Alvarado retired after three decades of service to the WIC program. She and several of Metro Health's team members are living proof that public health is
not just a job, it's a commitment.
Read more...
The Artwork
In 2007, the Steps to a Healthier San Antonio Program (Steps-SA), in collaboration with San Antonio ISD and the Southwest School of Art and Craft, presented "A Healthy Community Through the Eyes of a Child" in which children from local schools expressed their creative vision of health
concerns and issues affecting their community through the use of art.