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Community Corner

As Temperatures Climb Past 100 Degrees, Health Dangers Increase

Officials warn of health risk of high heat and humidity

With temperatures flirting with 100 degrees and an excessive heat warning in effect through the weekend, Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little is urging those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, the elderly, young and the sick, to stay in cool places and drink plenty of water.

“Go to our great beaches, the libraries, the mall,’’ Little was urging yesterday, as forecasters ramped up their predictions of a heat wave.

He said 1,000 people die in the U.S. every year of heat-related illnesses and 40 percent of them are senior citizens.

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Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. said there was some unexpected good news for swimmers as the county reopened the beach at Lake Manahawkin after tests of water samples showed it safe for swimming. The county operates the A. Paul King Park there, with a beach on the south shore of the lake. It was closed for several years because pollution from waterfowl sent the fecal coliform bacteria counts soaring.

With some of the waterfowl gone, Bartlett said Stafford Mayor John R. Spodofora suggested new water tests.

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“The readings were good,’’ Bartlett said. He said the mayor offered to have Stafford supervise the lifeguards at the beach, and helped the county find and hire some.

“We’re all vulnerable,’’ said Freeholder John P. Kelly of the dangers of the heat that are expected to send throngs to the beaches for relief.

He recounted how a Phillies baseball pitcher known for his endurance could go only four innings while pitching in Chicago in the heat wave now settling in on the East Coast.

“He’s an athlete in great shape,’’ Kelly said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Stay indoors, in air-conditioned places, if possible.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • Be active in the morning or evening hours.
  • Reduce exercise and drink plenty of water.
  • Rest often in shady places.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher.

Remember: for those who don't have access to air conditioning. Barnegat police will provide transportation to the township's air-conditioned rec center for those who can't get there.

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