Staying Cool on Hot, Powerless Days
Millions of people are experiencing a record-breaking heat wave in the eastern half of the United States, and they have no electrical power to help them cope with the burning temperatures.
With no power on Monday morning and utility companies warning customers from North Carolina to New Jersey and Illinois that the power outage could last several more days, experts advise people to take necessary measures to cope with dangerous temperatures. Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, suggests that people cool off in a pool, drink plenty of water throughout the day and check vulnerable people like the children and elderly from dehydration. Sports drinks may be taken since they contain electrolytes and glucose, but one should avoid those with high sugar and caffeine content. For those who have to go outdoors, wearing a wide brimmed hat and loose, light-colored clothes may help protect against the heat of the sun.
Experts also advise people to adapt a buddy-system to check on one another for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, nausea and headaches. Heat-related illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness, and one should immediately call 911 if these symptoms are observed.
They also warn people not to take medications like Advil or Tylenol to reduce body temperature as these may worsen heat-stroke. People who are taking diuretics and medications for high blood pressure are also prone to heat-induced illness because of their decreased ability to sweat. Obese people also tend to retain body heat and are prone to getting ill.
Source:
It’s Not So Much the Heat, It’s the Lack of Power. HealthDay. http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=666336