Many people know the common signs of heat sickness However, most don’t know the location of local cooling shelters More do think heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense TUESDAY, Aug. 13, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- It's been a sweltering summer for much of the United States, and a new poll finds many people can recognize the signs of heat sickness if it strikes them or someone else. However, many more don’t know crucial information that could help them during a heatwave, such as the location of cooling centers where they can seek relief from the pounding heat, researchers discovered.
“Communities must do a better job of making the public, especially the most vulnerable, aware of these centers,” said Ken Winneg , managing director of survey research at the Annenberg Public Policy Center in Philadelphia. NASA data shows that July 22 was the hottest day on record, and July might have been the hottest month, the pollsters noted. Because of this, it’s important for people to know the signs of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
Notably, most people know three of the telltale signs of heat illness, the poll found: 89% recognized dizziness as a symptom 83% knew nausea is a sign 72% knew hot, red, dry skin is cause for concern However, only 42% knew of a fourth sign -- skin that is pale, cold and clammy. In addition, only 3 in 10 knew that a pregnant woman exposed to extreme heat faces a heightened risk of premature delivery, the researchers noted. Near.