Heat-related deaths reported in Maryland, Tennessee

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Pastor Dale Morgan

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Jun 8, 2011, 1:49:38 PM6/8/11
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Perilous Times and Climate Change

Heat-related deaths reported in Maryland, Tennessee


By the CNN Wire Staff
June 8, 2011 12:59 p.m. EDT

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

    * Two deaths reported in Maryland, two in Tennessee, health officials say
    * All of the reported deaths were of people 60 or older, with underlying health issues
    * Heat that has plagued South for nearly two weeks lays siege to Northeast, Great Lakes
    * Maryland health agency issues tips for fighting heat, recognizing heat illness symptoms

(CNN) -- A heat wave that has plagued much of the eastern United States for nearly two weeks has claimed at least four lives, health officials in Tennessee and Maryland reported Wednesday.

Two senior residents, ages 65 or older, died in the past 10 days from excess heat exposure, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Both of the affected residents, a Cecil County man and an Anne Arundel County woman, had underlying medical conditions, the health agency said.

Two deaths related to the heat were reported in Shelby County, Tennessee. As in the Maryland cases, the deceased were 60 or older and had pre-existing medical conditions.

A 75-year-old woman was found dead in her home Monday, and a 60-year-old man who fell from his wheelchair in Tipton County was taken to a hospital in Shelby County, where he died Tuesday, said Heather Reynolds, a public information officer for the Shelby County Health Department.

The woman had a working air conditioner that wasn't turned on, and none of her windows were open, Reynolds said. She did have a fan on, however. The Shelby County chief medical officer said the woman had a number of medical conditions, including hypertension, but heat was listed as a contributing factor.

The Tipton County man was an amputee who had diabetes and was overweight. He was apparently in his wheelchair on a ramp to his van when he fell. Neighbors passing by alerted emergency services, and he was taken to Tipton County Hospital before being brought to Shelby County.

"When hot weather claims the lives of our residents, we are reminded how important it is to take precautions against heat exposure," Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement from the Maryland health department. "We need to remember to check on our families, friends and neighbors and especially those who are most vulnerable."

Much of the Southeast has endured blistering heat, with little relief in the form of rain, since the last week of May, CNN Meteorologist Rob Marciano said, and the rising mercury now is spreading as far north as Minneapolis. Heat indices, which include humidity to indicate how temperatures feel, were in the upper 80s and low 90s well before noon in cities such as Washington, Atlanta, New York and Detroit.

A couple of cold fronts "will flirt with the western Great Lakes, so places like Chicago, maybe New York City, will see some brief cooling, but everything south of the Mason-Dixon Line (will experience) heat indices over 90 as well."

Dangerous heat is expected through Thursday, and possibly into Friday, in the large Eastern cities, Marciano said, "so take care of your neighbors, certainly the elderly ones, and those who may not be able to handle this heat."

"Air quality is an issue, too," Marciano said. "Also, ozone builds up in big cities like Atlanta, so we're at a Code Orange today. Not only for Atlanta, but I think tomorrow over 80 cities will be in unhealthy categories."

The Maryland health department issued tips for recognizing symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and for dealing with the searing summer weather:

• Heatstroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater then 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. The onset of heatstroke can be rapid: A person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area, and emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911.

• Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop because of a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea and headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.

• In hot weather, it's important to drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration, and be aware that alcohol can impair the body's sweat mechanism, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics. Other tips include wearing loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes, a hat and sunglasses; avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible; taking it easy outdoors; and seeking out air-conditioned areas such as a shopping mall or public library if you don't have AC at home.

CNN's Vivian Kuo and Devon Sayers contributed to this report.
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