Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be very dangerous, especially when the humidity is also high. Crowded living conditions increase this danger.
Your body needs time to adjust to hot weather. A sudden increase in temperature, especially in the early summer, is particularly dangerous because your body is unprepared for the strain.
It doesn't take a "Killer Heat Wave" to kill you. If you are feeling hot and uncomfortable, take steps to avoid heat stress.
Heat stress can cause a variety of medical problems including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart failure and stroke. Your chances of getting sick in hot weather are increased by conditions such as a weak or damaged heart, hypertension, circulatory problems, a previous stroke, over weight, diarrhea, consumption of alcoholic beverages and skin diseases and sunburn.
Many prescription drugs can also make you much more vulnerable to the heat. If you take medicine for high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, poor circulation or sleeping, check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
