Keys to Battling Heat-Related Illnesses
The main contributors to heat-related illness are undue exposure to the sun and heat, unwise exercise, inappropriate clothing, and dehydration. Muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are primary manifestations of such illness.
Heat-related cramps are recurrent, and they signal dehydration that is severe enough to deprive muscles of needed oxygen. The prescription is to slow down, drink plenty of cool water, gently massage and stretch the tight muscle, and get out of the heat.
Heat exhaustion is more dangerous than a muscle cramp; the symptoms include impaired mental clarity, confusion, profuse sweating, and flushed and clammy skin. The prescription is to move the person to a cool place, remove his clothing, and apply ice packs. Fluids are important, but don’t force someone who is confused to drink too much too fast; give him small amounts of liquid slowly.
Heat stroke starts out looking like heat exhaustion, but its symptoms progress more quickly and are more severe. The patient is lethargic and weak, and his mental confusion can turn into delirium. He may also go into a coma or experience seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and 911 must be called.
Here are suggestions for avoiding heat problems:
1. Stay in an air-conditioned room or near a fan if the heat begins to bother you. When you go outside, avoid direct sunlight, and be wary of midday heat.
2. Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
3. Don’t exercise when it is excessively hot or humid. If you do exercise outdoors, choose cooler morning hours.
4. Listen to your body. If you experience fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, lightheadedness, nausea, or chest discomfort, begin taking action to lower your body temperature: drink, use a fan, apply ice packs, and so on.
Blueberries: A Great Summer Fruit
Blueberries are becoming the superstar of summer fruits. Filled with vitamins and antioxidants, they are not only delicious but also extremely healthful. Research from Rutgers University shows that blueberries (like cranberries) contain proanthocyanidins. These help keep E. coli, the most common bacterial cause of urinary tract infections, from adhering to cells in the walls of the urinary tract.
Shopping for Blueberries: Blueberries should be firm and should have a powdery blue color (soft wet ones will not keep for long). Refrigerate the blueberries as soon as you get home from the market. They should be stored unwashed and uncovered.
Eggs and Your Health
Everyone knows that eggs are high in dietary cholesterol, but a recent study has found that one egg a day does not increase the risk of stroke or heart disease in healthy people.
The truth is that eggs are very nutritious. They contain Vitamins B and E. They also include the beneficial carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, and protein, all of which are vital to health. While it is very important to watch our cholesterol, having one egg a day can actually promote health.
Tips for $aving Money & Energy: Making Your Household Efficient
Here are some suggestions from the ULS report, a wonderful newsletter that can be accessed at www.cygnus-group.com or by calling 734-668-1690. (The acronym stands for “use less stuff.”)
1. Clean the coils on your refrigerator. Keeping those coils free of dust will use less energy and help the unit last longer. One-hundredth of an inch of dust or dirt on the coils can reduce efficiency by five percent.
2. Change the filters on your air-conditioner regularly. The air will be cleaner to breathe, and the unit will work more efficiently.
3. Turn off the oven a few minutes before food is cooked and let the heat already in the oven finish the cooking.
4. When taking photos, use “fast film.” Faster film speeds, such as 400 or 800, reduce the use of flash and extend battery life.
5. Turn off computers when they are not in use.
Drug Deal
If you or a loved one is having trouble paying for prescription medicine, you should know about PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America).
This organization publishes a directory naming member companies that provide free prescription medicines to physicians whose patients cannot afford them.
Each company has its own protocol. For example, many companies permit a physician to have up to six patients on the program per year, with each patient receiving three to six months of free medication. In the interim, the patients are expected to seek other means for paying for the medication.
The telephone number your doctor can call to obtain further information is 800-762-4636, or you can visit PhRMA at its website, www.phrma.org/patients.
Book Review
Perfect Porridge
Author: Rochel Sandman
Illustrator: Chana Zakashansky-Zverev
Perfect Porridge is a warm, spirited book that teaches kids about sharing and caring for others. The book is set in Russia during World War II. Zayde Mendel and Bubbe Hinda are forced to leave their homes, their families, and their friends in order to escape the Nazis. When they arrive at their new home, they feel lonely. However, at the same time they realize that they are blessed, and they want to share their blessing with the less fortunate people living around them. Zayde Mendel takes on cooking for the poor, while Bubbe Hinda goes out to help the sick.
The book is based on real people, and it is inspiring to read about Zayde Mendel and Bubbe Hinda’s zest for life and the kindness they show toward others. Perfect Porridge is a sweet and compassionate book for ages 3 & up.