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Summers coming and along with it are health related complications due to heat. During hot weather we all really need to take care of ourselves and to make frequent checks on elderly or disabled relatives, friends and neighbors when a heat wave strikes. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that excessive heat claims more lives in the United States each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Between 1979-1998, the CDC estimates that 7,421 deaths resulted
from exposure to excessive heat in the U.S.
In 1995, a heat wave in Chicago resulted in the deaths of over 700 people. People at Higher Risk of Heat-Related Illness
- Infants and young children
- Older Adults
- People with disabilities
- Chronic heart or lung problems
- Overweight persons
- Those who work outdoors or in hot settings
- Isolated persons who may not be able to call for help
- Some medications, especially some drugs for heart or circulatory problems, movement disorders, allergies, depression and mental disorders can place you at higher risk
Advice during heat waves
If a heat wave is forecast, plan your day to stay out of the heat. If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). If you can't avoid strenuous outdoor activity like gardening, keep it for cooler early morning parts of the day. If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
In order to recognize symptoms of heat relate illness visit the Center for Disease Control by clicking here If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke seek medical help immediately.
Additional information:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2366.htm
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_586_,00.html
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/heatwave.pdf
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