Air quality is a concern for Friday, May 16, as the South Coast Air Quality Management District predicts air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive persons in West San Fernando Valley and the East San Gabriel Valley. Individuals living in these areas with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease should minimize outdoor activities. Poor air quality can make people even more susceptible to heat-related illness.

“We are advising schools in these affected areas to exercise caution with outside physical activities, including after school sports until conditions improve,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and County Health Officer. “The elderly and other sensitive individuals, including adults and children with heart disease, emphysema, asthma, or other lung disease, should stay indoors as much as possible.”

Also, on Friday, as temperatures in many parts of Los Angeles County will be in the 90s and the low 100s, people should take precautions to protect themselves and their dependents from the heat. It is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be removed to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.