Think safety as belated summer comes on with a vengeance
Be careful what you wish for, summer-starved suburbanites.
After July went by without a single 90-degree day, hot summer weather was finally expected to return to the Chicago area this weekend - with a vengeance. With temperatures in the mid-90s and perhaps higher predicted for both Saturday and Sunday, health officials issued some quick safety pointers.
Seniors are most susceptible to heat, and health officials sent out a flurry of reminders about their hot-weather care.
"Many seniors are on medications such as diuretics that make them more prone to the burning rays of the sun," said Susan Duda-Gardner, director of clinical services for the Health Care Council of Illinois, a nursing-care association. "Just a short period of time in the sun can cause some major health complications."
Citizens were urged to check on their older neighbors, especially to see if their air conditioning is working or, barring that, to make sure rooms are ventilated with windows opened at opposite ends.
Seniors especially were urged to wear sunglasses outside and to take care coming back in, as their eyes are slower to adjust to changes in lighting. Like everyone, only more so, they should wear loosefitting clothing allowing the body to release heat, a hat that shades the face and sunblock.
Seniors are also unusually prone to dehydration, again thanks to diuretics and their diminished sense of thirst. Simple water is recommended; caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
The Cook County Department of Public Health reminded the public that these measures go for everyone, but especially seniors, infants and the ill. In addition, it recommended the drinking of a quart or more of liquids a day, suggesting fruit juices as well as water. Outdoor activities should be planned if possible for the cooler parts of the day, before noon and in the evening. The use of ice and coolers at picnics is highly recommended to prevent food from spoiling, before or after it's cooked.
The two main things all should be alert for are heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The first, caused by the loss of normal fluid and salts in the body, is marked by cool, clammy skin; a weak, rapid pulse; shallow, quiet breathing; tense muscles; and body temperatures of up to 103 degrees. Steps to respond include resting in a cool place and drinking chilled fluids.
The latter is a more serious complication resulting from direct exposure to high temperatures or the sun. It is marked by dizziness, weakness, nausea, bright red skin, a rapid pulse, seeing spots, a ringing in the ears and temperatures of even more than 103 degrees.
Immediate treatment includes cooling the body by removing clothing and directly applying cool cloths, as in a sponge bath, but those suffering heatstroke should be taken to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
As ever, parents were reminded not to lock kids or pets in cars, not even with the windows cracked in such high temperatures.
"Follow our recommended safety tips," said the CCDPH's Dr. Stephen Martin Jr., "and you'll keep you and your family safe during all your summertime fun."