(TriceEdneyWire.com)—In the middle of winter, many of us wish for summer.  It’s still spring but already it feels like summer when summer is still several days away. The temperature in many areas around the country is so high that it has many of us wishing for winter instead of summer!  During the past week, I have traveled to Texas, California, Maryland and Washington, DC.  The conversation has been the same about the unseasonable heat—and people weren’t talking about Dwayne Wade, LeBron James or Chris Bosh’s basketball team!

This heat is for real no matter what the calendar says.  Remember that children cannot safely be left in cars—not even for a few minutes.  Pets should not be left in cars.  Elderly people with no air conditioning should not be left in their homes alone.  If they are your neighbors, you need to check on them periodically because they are more prone to challenges such as heat exhaustion. 

People with high blood pressure need to be extra careful about exposure to high temperatures.  People who work outside directly in the sun and those who exercise when the temperature is very high must be very careful and very conscious of drinking enough water.  These suggestions are based on the Center for Disease Control’s Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters.  (For details see, CDC.gov).  The CDC recommends drinking cool, non-alcoholic beverages and rest; as well as a cool shower, bath or sponge bath; an air-conditioned environment, and wearing light weight clothing.

Sixty years ago, Americans did not have the drinking choices they have now. When it was hot, we drank water.  We didn’t have to be reminded. Now we have numerous choices--such as ice coffee, ice tea, sodas, flavored water, energy drinks, ice cold beer, fruit drinks and more. These choices have become a problem, because they prevent people from drinking as much water as their bodies require. Plain old water is still the best and the healthiest choice, so don’t forget to drink that water everyday—not just on hot days.

 

With the heat wave coming so early, and many children still being in school, most recreation facilities have not yet opened their swimming pools and indoor games where there is air conditioning. After school, children are often outside playing, so they need to be reminded to drink their share of water. 

 

Not drinking enough water for anyone can cause serious damage to the body.  When it causes dehydration, it may cause kidney, liver, and heart problems, as well as stroke and damage to the brain.

 

From  the West to the East Coast, it’s hot and many of us never think about the strain the heat places on firefighters, police officers and health and human services officials.  Don’t forget how many air conditioners refuse to work when it’s really hot, and they are needed more than ever! It’s a good idea to have ceiling fans, as well as the basic floor models for times when the air conditioner refuses to give out cool air.

 

There is an unpleasant little side effect of this heat for many women.  Hot days give some of us bad hair days!  

 

Like human beings, plants and animals need more water when it’s hot, so don’t forget about their need for extra water just as you need it.  Dick Gregory would be proud of me for reminding you to drink lots of water everyday—not just on high temperature days.  He’s been telling us to drink water for years. Rarely will you see him without a bottle, so join the club!

  

 (Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. is National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women.  She’s also Chairman of the Board of the Black Leadership Forum in Washington, DC.  To reach her, call 202/678-6788; e-mail dr.efayew@gmail.com or see website at www.nationalcongressbw.org.)