Heat and staying alive

[Vida May]

I want to be sure everyone knows a small wet hand towel can prevent heat exhaustion. This is best if there is a breeze or a fan blowing on someone who is too hot and starting to feel weak and ill. Hopefully, everyone has a way to stay cool. but if there is nothing better at least get wet. Cool water is best inside our bodies and outside. You know, as we may use a cool washcloth or damp sheet to lower someone's temperature if a person has a fever.

"Causes of heat illness include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when there is also high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable." Heat exhaustion - Symptoms and causes

 

[Murrmurr]

While I do yard work, I wear small wet towel under my gardening hat and let one end hang over my neck.
Honestly makes 95F feel like 75.

 

[mrstime]

We are thankful we have AC, our first summer here convinced us we needed air conditioning.

 

[Benjamin_24]

A small wet hand towel can be a lifesaver in preventing heat exhaustion.
It's a simple but effective way to stay cool when feeling overheated and unwell.

 

[Lara]

My son bought me this and works like a charm. Just point it and, while the fan is going, you just press the button for spray when needed. Don't leave water in it when not in use to avoid mold issue. I've never had that problem.

O2COOL Elite Battery Powered Handheld Water Misting Fan (Blue)
$14.99

 

[BeachBi]

Can't handle the heat as well as I did few years ago. Just have to take it easy and plenty of fluids

 

[bobcat]

While I do yard work, I wear small wet towel under my gardening hat and let one end hang over my neck.
Honestly makes 95F feel like 75.

I have done that very same thing Mur. I was building a deck for a neighbor and it was hovering around 100, so I just put ice and water is a small cooler, and every so often I would dip the towel in the ice water, wear it the same way you described, and it worked very well.

 

[bobcat]

When doing a lot of fishing, I found a hat with a neck cover built right in, and if I started to heat up, I would just dip the entire hat in the lake squeeze it out a bit, and slap it back on. Also, the fishing shirt in the pic is made by Columbia and it has 50+ UV sunscreen protection built into the lightweight quick drying fabric. They are awesome for fishing, hiking, or just hanging out in the heat.

 

[Mike]

I could use one like you have Lara, recently I
have used the trains around here to visit the
hospital where my brother is and the trains
do not have air conditioning, getting on them
at rush hour, time is terrible.

I never knew that there were hand held fans
with misting, I will have one soon, thank you
for the heads-up, Lara.

Mike.

 

[VintageBetter]

I think most seniors, not all of us, but most, have heard anough warnings about the heat to have the sense to avoid it. You are right - if you cannot get to AC, a wet towel and a fan, or even sitting in a bathtub filled with water with a fan pointed at you, can really help.

In the old days when people had high fevers, one of the things home caregivers would do was put them an ice water bath to bring down the fever.

I worry about the children too. Their little bodies experience stress too, but they don’t always have the words to tell adults they feel bad.

My late brother lived without air conditioning in the desert. All he had was a swamp cooler. I used to tell him to install a window or portable AC in at least one room for summer, but he always thought he knew best. He’d spend lots of money on his hobbies, or getting his car windows tinted, but he wouldn't buy a stupid AC.

And his cheif advisers, two guys he’d listen to all the time over me, were also just as stupid when it came to LOVING the swamp cooler. It broke my heart to see that, but guys reinforce one another in bad choices all. day. long. and what can we do about it? Not much.