Officials warn of health risks as sweltering heat hits Ohio Valley

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — This period of sweltering heat in the Ohio Valley is actually a public health concern.

The Ohio County Health Department administrator says he attended a recent outdoor event where quite a few people became ill due to the heat.

Howard Gamble urges people to stay hydrated by drinking a reasonable amount of water throughout the day.

If you’re going to be outside for any length of time, try to choose a time of day when the heat is least oppressive.

So if you’ve got to do things outside like, for example, mow the lawn, work on the house, work in the garden, or just be outside exercising, you might want to do that early in the morning. It’s a little more inconvenient, but what you don’t want to do is be outside in the height of the heat, in the height of the sun. If you’re working outside, find the time to take breaks that you’re going to be in the shade.”

Howard Gamble, Ohio County Health Department Administrator

He says it’s best to wear a hat and loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothes that limit skin exposure to direct sunlight.

Take advantage of air-conditioned spaces whenever you can.

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