SANTA FE, NM – With temperatures remaining high this week, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) encourages New Mexicans to drink lots of water, rest, and get under shade when they are outdoors to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. In regions reaching triple digits, people should remain in cooled indoor places as much as possible.
Our partners at the National Weather Service in Albuquerque have shared that heat is increasing with temperatures in the 90s expected for most areas in New Mexico with 100s over east and southeast New Mexico. The highest temperatures are expected to occur Wednesday and Thursday.
Data analysis by the New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking Program of the Epidemiology and Response Division has found that even though a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit may not seem high, this is the temperature at which people start to go to the hospital for heat-related health problems.
“People in southeast New Mexico who work outdoors should especially take precautions such as frequently going into cooled indoor places, staying well-hydrated, and by taking breaks often in shaded areas,” said Cabinet Secretary Dr. Tracie C. Collins.
These steps are also recommended if you play sports or are hiking, fishing, or camping, or for people who are pregnant or for people ages 65 and up, to avoid getting ill. During summer school and summer childcare programs, it is recommended that recess, P.E., and outdoor activities take place early in the morning and be moved to cooled, indoor spaces for the hotter hours of the day. In addition, NMDOH urges New Mexicans to never leave people or pets in a parked car. While running errands, take babies, children, elders, and your pets inside with you.
Heat-related illness can have many symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, cramping, and weakness. To help New Mexicans and visitors spot the signs of heat-related illnesses, and to help them avoid becoming ill, NMDOH offers tips at: https://nmtracking.org/health/heatstress/Heat.html.
Information from the New Mexico Department of Health