Published: July 17, 2008 11:30 pm         

It’s too hot

Summer weather has fully arrived — temperatures are expected to be in the 90s today and tomorrow — and with it can come severe health problems, the most common of which are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, sweating profusely and the skin is cold and clammy.

Heat stroke kills an average of 1,700 Americans each year, about 80 percent of them age 50 and older. A person with heat stroke has a body temperature above 104°F. Symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or coma. Immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin.

How can you prevent heat-related illness?

• Drink plenty of liquids, even if not thirsty. Seniors should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. Eating fruits with high water content such as watermelon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apples and pears will also help to supply needed body fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Avoid the mid-day heat and do not engage in vigorous activity between noon and 4 p.m. When participating in outdoor sports and activities, be sure to protect the skin by using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (exposure to sunlight is a major cause of skin-related health problems). Take shade under a hat or an umbrella.

• Turn on your air conditioner or try to visit air-conditioned places such as senior centers, shopping malls, libraries and theaters.

• Get accustomed to the heat by slowly exposing yourself to it briefly at first and increasing the time little-by-little.

• Avoid hot, heavy meals. Do a minimum of cooking and use an oven only when necessary and practice safe food handling. Perishable foods should never be left out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.