We're Havin' a Heat WAVE...

We were certainly singng that song this week, and, while the heat may have 'broken' for now, it will be back. We continue to break heat records, so, just thought it would be good to remind you of some steps to take to survive the heat. People aged 65 years and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.

• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.

• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

What you can do to protect yourself from heat stroke and heat exhaustion:

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)

• Rest.

• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

• If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off, or see list of cooling stations below)

• Wear lightweight clothing.

• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.

• Do not engage in strenuous activities.

Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion:

Heat Stroke

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating

• Paleness

• Muscle Cramps

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fainting

• Skin: may be cool and moist

• Pulse rate: fast and weak

• Breathing: fast and shallow

Illinois has opened over 100 cooling centers - to find one located near you, go to:

To read more, go the the Center for Disease Controls site:

And, what is myth and what is real when it comes to dehydration: