The combination of high heat and humidity raises the health risk for young children, the elderly, and people with medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Heat stroke victims will experience symptoms of dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin.
When the heat becomes overbearing, health professionals recommend staying inside in air-conditioning, either at home or at public places such as movie theaters, malls and libraries. They also recommend limiting outdoor activity to the morning or evening, staying in shade when possible, and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
Local health departments recommend drinking water before you are thirsty and staying away from alcohol, caffeine and sugar, which dehydrate your body..
For those lacking the resources to stay cool, groups such as The Breathing Association collect and distribute donated fans and air conditioners, in addition to helping struggling families pay utility bills.
"I have asthma. When I'm outside it feels like I'm about to suffocate. When I come in the house I'm comfortable, I'm cool," said Lynette Russell, who also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On a tight budget, Russell considers herself fortunate to receive financial assistance from The Breathing Association to pay her utility bill.
"The economy's down. A lot of people need help with their air conditioning and electric," Russell said.
You can find out more information on The Breathing Association's Web site at www.breathingassociation.org
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