Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do is making every effort to prevent heat-related illnesses.
According to the county on the 31st, heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat, with heatstroke and heat exhaustion being representative. They occur when staying in hot places for a long time and show symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
If not properly addressed, they can be life-threatening.
Elderly people cooling off from the heat at a senior center located in Jangseong-eup, Jangseong-gun. [Photo by Jangseong-gun]
Since the cause is extreme heat, 53.1% of cases mainly occur during daytime. Outdoor workers such as farmers and field laborers, as well as elderly residents vulnerable to heat, should be especially cautious.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is advisable to drink water frequently and take adequate rest in shaded or air-conditioned indoor spaces during intense heat. If suspicious symptoms appear, lower body temperature using a wet towel, water, or ice.
If symptoms do not improve, visit a medical institution for treatment. If you find someone showing decreased consciousness, immediately call ‘119’ without delay.
The county educates on prevention rules at eup/myeon administrative welfare centers, health clinics, and senior centers, and has installed air conditioners in all senior centers in the region to serve as heat relief shelters.
Health education, heat-related illness prevention booklets, and self-diagnosis charts are provided to field workers. A translated version of the heat-related illness prevention guidelines has also been produced considering foreign workers.
Construction sites commissioned by the county are directly inspected for heat-related illness prevention measures and the condition of heat relief shelters, and any deficiencies are immediately supplemented upon discovery.
A county official said, “We continuously provide guidance on heat-related illness precautions and reporting methods through education and village broadcasts,” adding, “We will do our best to ensure all residents have a healthy summer.”
Jangseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Hangyu baekok@asiae.co.kr
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