Coping with potentially dangerous heat and humidity
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- 85-year-old Constance White of Logan was busy greeting members at the Philadelphia Senior Center Thursday morning. Many were here to escape the heat.
Click here for the AccuWeather Forecast.
"Nice air conditioner," said White. "Leave outside, come in here, you feel great!"
That's the right idea, because the elderly are more susceptible for problems related to the heat. Their bodies don't adjust as well.
And many, like Levon Walker of Center City Philadelphia, have medical problems or take medication that can also affect body temperature.
"I have a blood pressure problem, and I can't take the heat," Walker told Action News. "I used to be on the beach every day - can't do it anymore. The heat is too bad. I can't do it."
Because of the extreme temperatures the City of Philadelphia has declared an Excessive Heat Warning (click here for more).
Everyone should know the warning signs of heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion is the first stage.
Signs of heat exhaustion are fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, headache and cold, sweaty skin.
If you experience any of these warning signs, you need to start cooling your body off right away.
Heat stroke is the second, more serious and potentially life-threatening stage.
Those signs are hot, flushed skin, all sweating stops, and the person experiences confusion and a rapid heartbeat.
If you or someone you are with starts experiencing these symptoms, you need to call 911 immediately.
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