Dramatic temp change leads to serious risks

[TexasStooge]

By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8

Two people were taken to the hospital Tuesday as high temperatures began to take a dangerous toll in North Texas.

One person was still in critical condition in the late afternoon at Parkland Memorial Hospital after being brought in with a 107 degree temperature after a heat stroke.

Doctors said it may not just be the heat that is taking a toll on people, but also how suddenly it got hot.

It takes older people even more time to get used to the heat, which means the elderly should take particular care because their body's ability to acclimate is far slower. Doctors said medicines increase the danger as well.

"They feel a little bit more fatigued," said Dr. Lynn Roppolo, emergency medicine. "They might have a headache [and] they might feel a little lightheaded."

Health experts said it ordinarily takes 10 to 14 days to become accustomed to an extreme climate, including triple digit temperatures.

The kidneys, brain and other body organs need time to make adjustments in how they rid the body of heat and keep the body cool.

People who work outdoors and don't have the advantage of air-conditioned breaks are particularly susceptible to heat stroke if their bodies haven't adjusted.

The temperature change has also spurred a slew of social service agencies calls across North Texas from people who need heat relief fast.

Some can't afford the high cost of an air-conditioning system and others can't even afford a fan.

Social service agencies said they are concerned there might not be enough assistance to meet the needs of those who need help.

Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County volunteers delivers 2,300 meals daily, but they also come to the elderly in need of help to cool off.

"Their bodies really don't know any longer how hot they are getting," said Barbara Lundsford.

The United Way says calls to 211 for energy assistance are up 25 percent this month compared to last April. Agencies all across North Texas are scrambling to help low income folks pay utility bills and provide fans and air conditioners.

In every kind of weather, June Jones, 79, gets a meal everyday from the charity.

On hot days in her small home, she said she turns off the lights and runs a fan to reduce bills and the day's heat. She doesn't have an air conditioner.

While the charity helped Jones by giving her a second fan to keep the temperatures livable, they also try to assist with installing air conditioners as well.

"Certainly for many clients the air conditioner is best and we do have volunteers to install those," Lunsford said. "So, if people want to send money, it's a good way to help us because then we can purchase fans or air conditioners at a reduced cost."

Karin Kelly contributed to this report

[Mattie]

Fortunately the temperature drops with storms likely in the next few days. WHEW! We spent the weekend in Florida and it was cooler there than it was in Dallas. We left at 6:30 EST on Monday and it was still 100 degrees in Dallas. I didn't even venture out yesterday - but today - it's yard mowing before the rain!

Yippee for the rain!!