Northwestern University Newsfeed

July 28, 2006

ROBERTSON: I think certainly fatigue is something one should watch out for…diminished level of consciousness in those who are of the greatest risk…and significant thirst. I think those are all things you should think about.

Robertson says there are a number of people who are more susceptible to heat related illness…

ROBERTSON: People who are elderly…people who have mental illness related problems…children who are unable to advocate for themselves…and people that have chronic illnesses. It’s a real problem in that the individuals who are at the greatest risk unfortunately don’t have the ability to either cognitively take care of their own needs or physically they don’t have access to what they need to do to maintain a good body temperature.

Robertson offers some suggestions to avoid problems with the heat…

ROBERTSON: Number one is a steady increase in clear, cool, non-caffeinated liquids. Drinking almost even if you aren’t thirsty. Certainly try to maintain a cool environment and if that’s not possible at home, go to a place where it is possible. Open your windows…at least have air circulating as much as possible. There is a beneficial effect that is available by that.

Robertson says overexposure to the sun can also be a problem at this time of the year. He offers some tips for reducing sun burn…

ROBERTSON: Wearing appropriate clothing…hats…sunscreens, which I think aren’t as effective as we once thought they were, but they are still far better than nothing. I think that makes a tremendous amount of difference and is something else one can do to reduce risk.