Editorial: Take sensible measures to 'beat the heat'

5:36 AM, Jul. 17, 2013  |  Comments
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Most people can and will withstand this stifling heat wave that is gripping parts of the country, including the mid-Hudson Valley.

But for others - especially the very young, the elderly, those working outside or living in a place without air conditioners - the oppressive heat poses a real danger that should be taken far more seriously than it sometimes is.

The National Weather Service in Albany forecasts a high near 95 degrees today through Friday, with heat indexes surpassing 100.

This is a time when local residents should take precautions to make sure their families and neighbors, particularly the elderly, do not become dehydrated or experience other heat-related illnesses. In the City of Poughkeepsie, that seemingly straightforward task had become a bit harder until a "boil-water" notice was lifted Tuesday. An earlier test had found the presence of E. coli bacteria in a water sample, but it is good that further testing has cleared city residents to proceed as usual.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a strong defense against the heat includes preventing your body from becoming overheated by drinking more fluids. But officials also say fluids with caffeine, alcohol and high sugar content all can be counterproductive, since they have dehydrating effects on the body.

Health officials also point out that while fans can make the heat easier to endure, they do not necessarily prevent heat-related illness - taking a cold shower or bath are better ideas. While people should stay indoors as much as possible, that's not possible for everyone, especially those who make their living outdoors. They, too, should use caution, taking regular breaks and trying to limit the outdoor work as much as possible to the morning and early evening hours. They also should spend as much time in the shade as possible.

With air conditioners blasting throughout the region, people also should do their part to conserve energy in other ways - for instance, by making sure lights are turned down or off and by using large appliances during the evening.

Statewide, power usage is approaching record highs this week and power grid officials have called for large commercial power users to cut back to temporarily reduce the load. That would be a helpful strategy.

Most people will simply shake off the effects of the heat, and chalk it up to simply being alive during the summer. But part of our population is far more vulnerable, and their vulnerability must not be ignored.

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