Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Learn how to "BEAT THE HEAT" ! ! !

With the weather being extrememly "HOT" the past few days. I thought this would be appropriate and yet, a reminder for us on how to "BEAT THE HEAT". Today the weather is supposed to climb near 110 degree mark with the heat index.... So stay cool.

Every year between 175 and 400 Americans die from extreme heat. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims. Between 1979 – 2002, excessive heat exposure caused 8,966 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

1) Drink plenty of water
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. During the heat and strenuous activity drink 1-3 cups of water an hour. If you wait until you are thirsty, you have waited too long.

2) Limit intake of caffeine
For every 8oz. of caffeine a person drinks they will lose 4oz.

3) Eat less protein
Eat less protein - Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss. It is best to eat smaller meals more frequently.

4) Wear light clothing
Wear lightweight light-colored loose fitting clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and covers as much skin as possible. It will help your body maintain normal temperatures.

5) Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Protect face, neck and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

6) Avoid too much sunshine
Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating of at least 15.

7) Cover windows to block sun
Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.

8) Stay inside with air-conditioning
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

9) Plan your errands
Plan your errands during the warmest part of the day to be in public buildings with air conditioning such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

10) Schedule strenuous work for early mornings and evenings
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, in the early mornings and evenings. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beat the Heat....very good idea. It was even hot when I left for work this morning at 7:30. I cannot imagine what it is going to feel like when I leave for lunch.

I did study your optical illusion for a while. It had me confused.

I love you,
Tamara

Brian Cooper said...

If you go home from work....then I get to go home too.... even though it is cool as a cucumber here at work..... Ahhhhhh feel the cool air conditioning.