Beat the Heat
By: Colleen | July 23, 2008 | Category: Health
The oppressively hot and humid summers typical of our nation's Capital have reared their ugly head this week.
It is HOT HOT HOT!
What was the first indication of this? Me looking as if I just stepped out of the shower after walking from the Metro to Gov Gab headquarters. And no, it's not cute.
While temps in the 90's are mostly just the cause of some bad hair days and being uncomfortable, for some people they pose a serious health threat.
Senior citizens, small children, and people with chronic illnesses need to be especially careful when the mercury soars. They are most at risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sun overexposure. Check out this list of signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. To avoid these, do you best to stay cool and inside. Drink plenty of water to insure that you're properly hydrated. Wear loose clothing made out of materials like cotton that allow your skin to "breathe."
Friends and family of the elderly should try and visit them at least twice a day to check for signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. Take them to air conditioned locations if they have transportation problems. Make sure they have access to an electric fan. Sometimes local governments have programs to help out.
Enjoy the summer months, just be careful. It really makes me wonder how I survived those mid-August outdoor field hockey pre-season practices, but I suppose when you're 16 you can survive pretty much anything.
What are your tips to keep cool?
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I suppose that I'm a "Senior Citizen" although at 75 years of age I hate to admit it. (my Wife of 52 years thinks differently)
We live in rural Georgia and have 15 acres that I maintain. Some is lawn, some is garden and food plots for the Deer and other animals and the majority is woods. Through my many years of working outdoors I have learned that HYDRATION is soooooo important.
I try to do all of my work early in the day and some later in the evening during the cooler times but still drink at least a quart of water ever couple of hours. Sometimes I drink iced tea but never soft drinks.
I would also like to add that I do always wear loose fitting cotton clothing and a soft floppy hat. Since I have COPD I also wear a mask while doing anything dusty such as weedeating, mowing or roto-tilling to keep from inhaling dust, pollen and other airborne particles which make my breathing more difficult.
Sincerely, John Luescher
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It's supposed to last over 25 years so the savings of approximately $50-70 a month on the electric bill will more than pay for the expense of the solar panels and control circuits. Also, Since it uses capacitors and backup batteries, The system can still work even if the power goes out. This can be a beautiful thing in the hot, humid south where sometimes the power goes out after a big thunderstorm.
If you live in a sunny climate, you may want to research solar panels to power your air conditioning units and other electrical needs. The GovGabbers may even be able to direct you to information to find possible tax breaks or "green credits" available from the IRS.
Also, Toyota Motor Company has announced the 2010 Prius (outside of US markets) will have a solar panel to power the A/C. It uses an electric motor for the compressor so no engine power is lost to power it, and with less resistance on the engine, the car can achieve greater fuel efficiency.
So, solar cells can be utilized to help keep you cool.
Personally, I prefer just sitting in a comfy chair or laying in a hammock under a tree with a glass of sweet tea while beautiful young women fan me with palmetto leaves.
However, since that doesn't happen I keep myself hydrated and make sure to wear a big silly hat when I'm out in the sun. Also, If you wear a good cotton blend shirt it should wick sweat right off y our body.
In the humidity that we deal with in the south, Sometimes the best thing to do is just get out of the sun, into a movie theater, and save your outdoor activities until dark. I will warn you guys, though, that if you live in my neighborhood, the same neighbor who has the solar panel will call police if you mow your lawn after midnight. Apparently my town takes their noise ordinance pretty seriously.
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J.Jason
http://solarpanelssite.com/
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