Here’s Help for Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Aug. 14, 2008) – When the heat index soars into triple digits, take precautions against exhaustion and stroke when working or playing outdoors. Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.

The experts at Farmers’ Almanac provide the following tips:

• Drink water hourly to keep your body hydrated.
• Drink one cup of water or a sports drink every 20 to 30 minutes if you’re involved in vigorous sports activities.
• Laboring outside? Work in the early morning and quit in the early evening.

Individuals who perspire a lot when working outside in severe hot weather may experience cramping in their legs, arms or stomach. Heat cramps are most likely a sign of heat exhaustion and occur due to a lack of salt in the body. To treat, follow these steps:

• Sit or lie down in a cool or shaded place and gently massage cramping areas. If you are experiencing weakness or nausea, lie down with feet raised and have someone rub your legs.
• Remove shoes and socks and loosen clothing to help lower body temperature.
• Apply a cold compress to your face to help prevent fainting and cool your body temperature.
• Stir a teaspoon of salt into a liter of water and drink. A sports beverage that contains sodium and potassium also will help. Repeat once every hour until cramps stop.

Heat stroke is much less common than heat exhaustion, but much more serious.

The skin becomes red, hot and dry, with no sign of perspiration. A high fever is present, and the person will feel very ill or become unconscious. In this situation, the body temperature must be lowered immediately.

• Call 911 or seek professional medical help right away.
• Move the heat stroke victim to shade.
• Soak the person with ice water if possible.
• Fan the person until help arrives or fever drops.

More tips on preventing and curing common conditions such as headaches, motion sickness and sleep problems can be found in the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac, on sale Aug. 26. To pre-order the Almanac and get tips on sustainable living from the experts, visit www.FarmersAlmanac.com.

About the Farmers' Almanac:
The Farmers' Almanac, which features an orange and green cover, has been published every year since 1818. Available at grocery and bookstores nationwide, it contains useful and interesting articles, as well as long-range weather predictions, gardening advice, recipes and more. Editors Peter Geiger and Sandi Duncan are available for lively and informative interviews, either by phone or in person. Both love to talk about the weather, share useful Almanac trivia and advice, and offer tips on how to "get back to the simple life." Visit on the Web at www.FarmersAlmanac.com.