It was feeling hot, hot hot in upstate New York on Thursday, with highs reaching the 90s in some areas. While some look forward to a bright sun and humidity, the high temperatures do come with some health concerns.
“We have a routine. We come out around this time. We go to the park get in the splash pad, and they can end it by getting on the playground," Albany resident Aisha Waded said.
People everywhere were finding ways to beat the heat. For this mom, that meant giving the air conditioning a break and cooling down with plenty of water.
"It's better than being in the house. So yeah, get them some activities out in the sun, because you got to have some sun too," said Waded.
However, in the summertime, too much sun isn’t always a good thing.
What You Need To Know
- According to the CDC, more than 600 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat every year
- According to the CDC, factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include: High levels of humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and alcohol use
- To find cooling centers near you, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/
"Older adults with chronic conditions are the number one risk group. And what we're talking about heat and humidity is your body's temperature going up, and not being able to cool down fast enough. And what that can really do is cause damage to the brain and your vital organs," said New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen.
According to the CDC, more than 600 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat every year.
"Things like heart disease, circulation problems, drinking alcohol, that really increases the risk, and prescription drugs. So you're talking about a large proportion of the older adults that when it's this hot and humid, really put themselves at risk," said Olsen.
Some stay cool by staying inside, but for others who work outdoors, like landscapers, the weather conditions are unavoidable.
"The winters are warmer and the summers are hotter. We couldn't do it without the crew. They're the ones out here in the heat. They're taking it as good as you can, you know? And we take their feedback, too. So if, you know, we start earlier on days like this, we end earlier on days like this. And like I said, scheduling accordingly, shorter, shorter span," said Ted Hoffman, general manager at J and R Property Services.
Staying hydrated, wearing loose and light-colored clothing is key. And if you don’t have air conditioning in your home, be on the lookout for cooling centers in your area.
"The state parks, the pools, the libraries, the Department of Health's website has many cooling centers around the state," said Olsen.
