Mayor's WINS Address
Sunday July 19, 1998

Nothing can match summertime in New York City. Our parks are packed with people, children fill our playgrounds, there are free outdoor cultural events all over the city, and everywhere you go there's a tangible feeling of excitement in the air.

But on most summer days there's also another feeling in the air — heat. Even though we all love sun and blue skies, we should also be aware of the risks they pose at the height of the summer, especially to our most vulnerable citizens. On days when the heat and the humidity make it feel like you're a turkey in the oven, make sure you take these basic precautions:

• Avoid strenuous activity. Unless you're on the Mets or the Yankees, or are another athlete in top condition, you shouldn't be overexerting yourself in 90 or 95 degree weather. Also avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to stay inside, with air conditioning, a breeze, or at least the cover of shade.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water and diluted juices are the smartest things to drink. Stay away from carbonated and caffeinated drinks, because they generally don't do a good job of hydrating you. And if you're on a fluid-restricted diet, or on diuretics, you should talk to your doctor. The most important kind of drink to avoid, though, is alcohol. It can actually make it harder for you to cool yourself down.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to be as comfortable as possible.

• When you're in your apartment, keep your rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. If you don't have a fan or air conditioning, don't keep your windows closed. Any breeze is a good breeze when it's hot out. Obviously you should never leave your children or pets in an enclosed automobile, no matter what the weather.

• And if you have a friend or family member who is particularly vulnerable to the heat - and this includes people who are elderly, very young, or anyone with a pre-existing medical condition — pay special attention to them when the temperature rises. There's nothing that can help people more than a little assistance from a friend or neighbor.