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An unrelenting heat wave has struck many parts of the country, with Arizona getting the brunt of it. Temperatures in Phoenix have reached 110 degrees for nine days straight and on Sunday, the city hit a temperature of 116 degrees, an all-time record. At least 12 deaths have already been caused by the heat since Saturday.

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Arizona faces the worst rate of heat-exposure deaths among all U.S. states. From 1993 to 2002—the most recent years for which national data are available—there were 253 deaths in Arizona attributed to heat-related causes. The Arizona Department of Health Services said 34 residents died as a direct result of excessive exposure to heat last summer, including three infants who were left in parked cars.

With temperatures rising in New York, Chicago and elsewhere, many are feeling the heat as well. Exposure to prolonged high temperatures can cause various heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or death. The elderly are most at risk. Still, all heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.

In hot weather, people should take the following precautions:

Reduce the level of physical activity
Only do strenuous outdoor activities at cooler times of the day; avoid the hours of 11AM to 3PM.
Drink additional water
Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing
Spend more time indoors, preferably with an air-conditioner
Parents should never leave young children in parked cars. Relatives and neighbors of people at risk for heat-related illness, such as the elderly or disabled, should check on them frequently. Watch out for trouble signs, including intense thirst, heavy sweating, weakness, paleness, nausea and headaches. Seek help immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. If the person has fallen or fainted, move them to a cooler location, and sprinkle lukewarm water on the skin to encourage evaporation.

While many heat-related illnesses can be treated if caught early, preventing them from ever occurring only takes a bit of planning and foresight.

Copyright 2005 Healthology, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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