Temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees today with a heat index, feels like temperature, of 105 degrees. Due to the excessive heat the City is opening the Pip Moyer Recreation Center and the Annapolis Senior Center as cooling stations for residents.
The Recreation Center, located at 273 Hilltop Lane, will be open from noon to 8:00 p.m. and the Annapolis Senior Center, located at 119 South Villa Avenue, will be available to residents from noon to 4:30 p.m.
The Mayor Josh Cohen advises residents to check on family members and neighbors who live without air conditioning. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.
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Symptoms of heat-related illness:
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Heat cramps - These are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration.
Heat exhaustion – This is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, fainting and increased temperature.
Heatstroke - This is the most severe form of heat illness. These people have warm, flushed skin and do not sweat. This is considered a critical medical emergency. These patients must have their temperature reduced quickly and taken directly to the hospital.
The CDC offers the following advice when dealing with extreme heat:
During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public li aries or public health-sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.) Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
