Keep Your Cool

Tips to cope with summer's heat

With the high cost of energy, you might be tempted to cut back on the air conditioning this summer, but that can be dangerous, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 300 people die from heat exposure each year, more than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Most at risk are people under age 4 and over 65, people who are overweight or who are taking certain medications, the CDC says.

If you don't have air conditioning, watch for signs of heat stroke, inclulding high fever, nausea, dizziness, a throbbing headache, confusion, a rapid, strong pulse, even unconsciousness. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, cool them off as quickly as possible (in a tub of cool water, for instance) and get medical help immediately.

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