Temperatures on the rise in RSM...

Today is the second day in a row that the mercury has risen close to the triple digit range here at our headquarters in beautiful Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. Here are some helpful hints to deal with the extreme heat.

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.

The easiest way to prevent heat-related illness is to stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

Those with epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss. Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult. Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available. If possible, spend the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.