Centegra opens cooling sations

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for noon to 8 p.m. today for McHenry County and in response; Centegra Health System is opening cooling stations throughout the area.

Temperatures are expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees and the heat index may reach between 105 and 110 degrees. Centegra encourages residents to take precaution, as heat stroke may cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

The following Centegra cooling stations are open to those in need of cooling relief from noon to 8 p.m. today:

  • Centegra Hospital-McHenry, 4201 Medical Center Drive
  • Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, 3701 Doty Road
  • Centegra Specialty Hospital-Woodstock, 527 W. South Street
  • Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake, 200 Congress Parkway
  • Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Huntley, 10450 Algonquin Road

McHenry County’s cooling center is at the Illinois Health & Human Services Building, 2215 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock. Centegra Health System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following important health tips to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Drink more nonalcoholic beverages, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty.
  • Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar as they may cause more loss of body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they may cause stomach cramps.
  • Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If one’s home does not have air conditioning, visit a cooling station.
  • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need more frequent watching.

 

For emergencies, Centegra emergency departments are open 24 hours a day at Centegra Hospital-McHenry and Centegra Hospital-Woodstock.

For minor medical issues, visit a Centegra Immediate Care Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Locations are at Crystal Lake Medical Arts, 360 Station Dr. Crystal Lake, phone (815) 788-7500 or Centegra Health Center–Huntley, 10350 Haligus Road, Huntley, phone (847) 802-7500.

 

Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the health care needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations, including hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock, Immediate and Physician Care Centers, Centegra Sage Cancer Center, Health Bridge Fitness Centers and more. As the region’s leading health care provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit centegra.org, search Centegra Health System on Facebook and Twitter or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).


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