Rising temperatures can take a toll on our bodies. Usually, your body cools as perspiration evaporates off your skin. But, on extremely hot days, evaporation slows and your body has to work harder to maintain a normal body temperature. The American Meteorological Society estimates that up to 1,000 people die each year from from heat-related illnesses; many others become ill from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Stay inside if possible. If you do not have air conditioning at home, go to a the home of a friend or relative, shopping mall, public library or another public place. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
- While electric fans do have a cooling effect, they do not prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach the 90s. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to a place that is air-conditioned are better choices.
- Everyone feels the heat, but some people are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Check regularly on friends and relatives who are 65 or older, have a mental illness, or have physical illnesses like heart disease or high blood pressure. Always keep a close watch on infants and children.
These helpful ideas come from Earth Gauge.
This image is from our justweather.com temperature page. It was captured at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Notice how Bay City and Victoria are already recording 107 degree feels-like temperatures.
Click image or go to: http://houston.justweather.com/temperatures/ to get your current “feels like temperatures.”
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