Aug. 12--You don't have to tell Rusty Terry of Seymour this past week's weather forecast.
The longtime worker of Abraham & Sons General Contractors knows firsthand, especially since the bulk of his work is outside.
"This is the hottest one I can remember," he said Wednesday afternoon. "The humidity's been awful, and we keep finding sunny jobs. We can't find any shady jobs."
Susie Schnitker, director of critical care services at Schneck Medical Center, may have some qualms with Terry's working habits.
"If possible, stay in the air conditioning," she said Wednesday. "Limit your exposure times."
She emphasized that those with chronic problems or high risk groups, elderly and children, should definitely stay inside if possible.
Heat advisories have plagued the area every day this week, including one that started Wednesday morning and continues until 8 p.m. today, and the result is causing many to feel the effects of the uncomfortable weather.
A high of 98 is forecast today.
Wednesday's brief shower brought little relief.
Schnitker said the hospital census is above the typical average, which is most likely a result of the heat. The census measures the number of patients in the hospital at a certain time, and they base it on historical averages.
"We have not really seen any patients with true heat stroke," Schnitker said.
"We've seen an increase in patients with headaches and dizziness," Schnitker added.
Those symptoms are signs of dehydration that can lead to more serious conditions such as heat stroke.
Schnitker said the hospital has seen a significant increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and asthma patients because of the heat.
"Hot, humid weather is irritating the lungs," Schnitker said. "Any extremes in the temperature can really exacerbate those problems."
Earlier this summer, Dr. John Fye, a family physician, said he noticed more lung problems in patients due to pollens, molds and other outdoor allergies.
"We're finding a lot of people who aren't usually affected with increased problems," he said.
Fye also reported that asthma patients are finding that their typical inhalers aren't working for them anymore.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says allergens, like the high mold count, increase in humid weather.
While Terry can't always be in a cool environment, he attempts to beat the heat by other means.
"We drink a lot of water and take a lot of breaks," Terry said while he and Rick Phillips of Columbus installed a handrail outside Peace Lutheran Church at Tipton and Walnut streets.
Schnitker would agree with the two men's actions.
"It's so important that everyone is drinking a lot of water when they are out in the heat," she said. "It's very easy to get dehydrated."
Weather forecasts predict more 90-degree weather throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend, with heat indexes reaching 105.
Safety tips
You can reduce your risk for heat-related illnesses by following these tips:
Keep yourself hydrated and nourished. Drink fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level.
Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they will dehydrate you faster. Eat smaller meals and more frequently. Although heat may lessen your appetite, your body needs proper nutrition to function.
Take time to cool off. If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned building. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend time at an air-conditioned public facility. Even a few hours can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
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