As the heat rises, the news is putting out information on being careful in it.  In the Fort Smith area there is a lot of humidity, so that makes it even worse.  A high pressure ridge is making temperatures soar across the central part of the U.S., according to a report on Swtimes.com.

A Tulsa meteorologist named Pete Snyder said air is descending, and as it does that, it creates more heat.  He said temperatures in the central U.S. so far this summer are above normal.

The National Weather Service put out a heat advisory that said to not engage in long-term hard activity outside, wear loose clothing and drink a lot of water.  We pretty much know that, but we forget sometimes that heat is more than irritating: it can kill.

On Monday up in Fayetteville, a construction worker died after having a heat stroke the day before.  He was 39 years old – so he was probably in pretty decent shape and hardly elderly.  Heat stroke is a dangerous thing.

According to MedicineNet.com, heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated immediately.  Heat stroke happens when the body temp. rises dramatically, causing an urgent need to cool the victim off fast.

Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps and aches
• Dizziness 

When it moves into actual heat stroke the symptoms get scary:

• Body temp. of over 103
• Absence of sweating
• Flushed or hot red skin
• Rapid pulse
• “Strange” behavior
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Disorientation

This is a very serious condition, so everybody please take it easy if you have to be outside on really hot days.  I guess we’ll always have hot summers in northwest Arkansas, but we don’t have to take risks with our health and life.

Be cool.  Stay cool.

Nick & Ellie