Scientists have predicted a long hot summer
after record-high spring temperatures.
Very hot weather can be dangerous or deadly for older people or those
with chronic conditions such as heart disease.
A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
suggest that it’s the variability in temperatures – more than the temperature
itself – that might pose the most significant long-term health risk.
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public
Health examined the relationship between varying summer temperatures in 135
cities and life expectancy among older adults who had been recently
hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes,
congestive heart failure, or heart attack.
With each city fluctuations of as little as l degree C (l.8 degrees F)
increased the mortality rate by about 5 percent, depending on the condition
(strongest for those with diabetes.)
Swings in summer temperatures could lead to about 14,000 additional
deaths a year.
Stay in an air-conditioned environment on
hot, humid days, especially if there is an air-pollution alert in effect. Take cool showers or baths and keep the
shades drawn and open windows for cross ventilation.
Do not exercise when it is hot.
Dress in light colours and breathable
fabrics, such as cotton.
Drink plenty of liquids, mainly water,
and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Get immediate help if you develop
symptoms of heat stroke.
This includes confusion, lethargy,
agitation, muscle aches, fever,
nausea or convulsions.
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