Beating the Heat Index: Do You Know Where Your Loved Ones Are?

It's that time of year again: hot, hot, hot. Just in case you forgot, the heat affects everyone differently. Thousands of people in this country die from extreme heat. More die from heat related deaths than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Most Americans who die of extreme heat health problems are 50 or older. If you are involved in the care of the elderly, you know older people have their ways and do not always tell the truth. As temperatures rise, seniors are more vulnerable to the heat because their bodies don't cool down as quickly as they once did. Keeping in mind their need for independence, and with today's constantly rising heat and soaring energy prices, they may not always say what you want to hear. Older people may not feel hot when the temperature is high and are less likely to feel thirsty. Set in their ways, they may have grown up in the age of fans, before air-conditioning. Help seniors stay safe this summer. Keep 'em cool Remind them:

• Drink plenty of fluids and other nonalcoholic beverages.
• Fans do not always adequately cool during intense heat waves. Stay in the air conditioning. Air-Conditioning Works!
• Avoid all strenuous activities. Avoid extended periods of sun exposure and walking long distances at midday.
• Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats.

Dehydration is a widespread heat related problem. Indications of dehydration include weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and passing out. Heat exhaustion is usually the first serious sign of a serious problem. Signs of simple heat exhaustion include: Heavy or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Heat Exhaustion's greatest problem is that it could lead to Heat Stroke.

Heat Stroke is one problem nobody likes to deal with. Heat stroke can be fatal. A body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and passing out are serious symptom's of an Extreme Heat Emergency. Get Medical Attention!

And Remember: The Temp in the car goes up 20 degrees in only 10 minutes.

Source:

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Atmospheric Programs (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

By Bill from New York, NY