PHONE : 570-769-2877
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 22
To your Health !
Recent high temperatures this summer have raised concerns about potential threats for adults with health issues , especially elderly people who live alone .
The unrelenting heat , added to high humidity and increased barometric pressure , can quickly lead to intense issues for those who don ' t drink enough water or continue their usual level of activity . Ignoring those symptoms can start a chain reaction that could lead to significant health damage , especially in older adults . Everyone is at risk , so watch for these warning signs : - Heavy sweating , fatigue , thirst , muscle cramps , and a rapid pulse - these could all be signals your body is having trouble cooling itself .
- Ignoring symptoms could lead to heat exhaustion , where goose bumps pock your skin , you feel faint , dizzy , have a weak , rapid pulse , and intense fatigue .
- Other symptoms include low blood pressure when standing , nausea , and headache .
Most adults can recover from heat exhaustion relatively quickly - if they stop all activity and rest , move to a cooler place , and drink some water . If symptoms do not improve , medical attention is warranted . Recovery time can sometimes extend between 12 and 24 hours . Should heatstroke be determined , medical care must be sought . Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition . It happens when your core body temperature reaches 104 Fahrenheit or higher . Heatstroke needs immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs that can result in death .
Heat illness is serious , especially for those of us who carry more risk - very young or older individuals , people with compromised health , and individuals who take certain prescription drugs ( including those that treat allergy , blood pressure , and stress ).
How to avoid heat-related illness ? Drink plenty of fluids , protect against sunburn , take it easy during the hottest parts of the day , and slowly get acclimated to the heat over a two week period . Limit your alcohol intake in hot weather , as it can affect your body ' s ability to regulate your temperature . And wear clothes that allow your sweat to evaporate easily . Don ' t take hot weather lightly . Heightened awareness and following common sense tips can actually save your life or the life of someone you love .
Please patronize this fine local sponsor of To Your Health :
William R . Forse , Optometrist - family eye care
Complete & Comprehensive Eye Exams • Pediatric Vision Analysis Glaucoma , Cataract , and Retinal Screening • Contact Lenses Wide Selection of Fashion Eyewear • Consultant for Lasik Surgery
PHONE : 570-769-2877
Open : Monday 1 - 7pm , Wednesday 9am - 1pm , and Thursday 9am - 5pm .
Suite 310 , 1 Outlet Lane , McElhattan ( in the UPMC Outpatient Center ) 18 -- “ Good News ” -- July -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com