A Study's Surprising Finding

When the sizzling temperatures of a summer heat wave become a threat to your health, what's the best thing to do?  A recent doctors' study suggest that "shooting the breeze" may be one of the healthiest ways for an un-air-conditioned homeowner to cool off.

A newly-published study in the New England Journal of Medicine focused on the causes of heat- related illness and death during the Midwest's memorable heat wave of July, 1995.  Doctors in the study made a surprising finding: people who visited with friends or attended social activities during the day were less at risk for heat-related death.  People who remained alone in an uncooled home, the study found, were putting themselves at greater risk.  The study added some other surprising findings of interest to those who suffer in a Summer heat wave (or are caregivers for others who do).
 

•  AC is absolutely crucial. The doctors' ultimate prescription for 100 degree+ heat is spending time in an air conditioned room.  In the absence of home air conditioning, even a few hours of exposure in a public place (for example a shopping mall or apartment building lobby) notably lessened the heat stroke risk.

• Fans are fruitless.  Studies quoted in the article pointed out that fans are ineffective against heat stroke when both temperature and humidity are at their Summer scorcher highs.

 
• Penthouse is poor.  The study found a relationship between heat-related illness and living on the top floor of a building.  The obvious solution is spending more time downstairs, which may require assistance for those who are confined to bed or unable to navigate stairs easily due to an illness or injury.

    In an accompanying editorial, the study's writers stressed the need for communities to recognize and respond to a prolonged heat wave.  Let the community action start with you this summer, by making sure to take time out and visit elderly or homebound neighbors when the mercury begins to climb.  Better yet, invite them into your air conditioned home for a chat!

1. Headache, nausea and dizziness
2. Red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased)
3. Strong and rapid pulse
4. Small pupils
5. Very high fever
6. May become extremely disoriented
7. Unconsciousness and possible convulsions.

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