Saturday, June 29, 2013

How to stay cool during a sweltering heat wave

By Michelle Castillo

A heat wave is headed to the western U.S. this weekend. The record highs may start as soon as Friday, which some experts are even predicting may be the hottest day on record.

With heat unlikely to subside even at night, experts are warning residents in affected areas about the dangers of high temperatures. A June Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showed that about 650 deaths each year from extreme heat could have been prevented.

Heat can affect anyone, but most at risk are the elderly, children, the poor and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Also those who are outdoors often, like athletes and laborers, are also in danger.

The number one thing that you can use to protect yourself from extreme heat is air conditioning, the CDC points out. If you don't have air conditioning at home, take a trip to a shopping mall, library, movie theater or other public health sponsored heat-relief shelter.

If you have to be outdoors, try to schedule your activities to avoid the hottest points of the day. Take frequent breaks and cool showers or baths to keep your temperature down. Never leave a child, person or pet in a closed vehicle. 

Continue here.

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