It is all about your safety

Kathryn Hawley

There are three main items to prepare for in regards to the upcoming Solar Eclipse: eye safety, heat safety and environmental/insect safety that can directly affect each individual.

Special purpose solar filters eclipse glasses or hand held solar viewers are recommended as a safe way to look at the partially or uneclipsed sun. DO NOT use homemade filters when viewing and go to eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety to find out if your glasses meet proper safety viewing standards.

Since we have experienced very high temperatures recently please be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion which can include tiredness/weakness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea/vomiting, paleness, muscle cramps and heavy sweating. If you or a loved one is overheated, rest in a cool area, drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine free beverages, loosen clothing, cool down with a shower, bath or sponge bath and seek medical attending if symptoms are not improving or if symptoms last longer than one hour. Make sure to observe yourself and others so that heat stroke can be avoided and know the warning signs that include rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, no sweating, unconsciousness and confusion. Seek help immediately as a heat stroke is life threatening. health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hyperthermia/heatprecautions.php.

As we gather around lawns, trees/grass to experience the eclipse, when outside use protection. Using repellent products registered by the EPA on skin and clothing is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. To know what works best go to www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html and enjoy!

Kathryn Hawley, RN & Health Educator, Nodaway County Health Dept.