Protect your heart in the heat: Tips from the American Heart Association

Guest Editorial by the American Heart Association

With extreme temperatures continuing today, be sure to protect your heart in the heat. With temperatures forecasted in the 90s, it’s important to know that extreme heat can be hard on the heart.

As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors recommend using good judgment when it comes to activities outside in the heat, and that you stay hydrated.

During hot weather, it’s important that you take the right precautions:

√ Watch the clock. It’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

√ Get off on the right foot. You probably sweat the most in your shoes, so choose well-ventilated shoes and look for socks that repel perspiration. Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help with sweat.

√ Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat. Add a hat and/or sunglasses. Before you get started, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours.

√ Drink up. Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after your exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

√ Take regular breaks. Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again

√ Follow the doctor’s orders. If you are a heart patient, over the age of 50, overweight or just starting an exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor for your best exercise routine.

If you do want to be active during hot weather, doctors say it is alright if the activity is something you are used to, but it is not the time to push yourself.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be experiencing too much heat.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

√ Headaches

√ Heavy sweating

√ Cold, moist skin, chills

√ Dizziness or fainting (syncope)

√ A weak and rapid pulse

√ Muscle cramps

√ Fast, shallow breathing

√ Nausea, vomiting or both

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and rehydrating. You may need to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

√ Warm, dry skin with no sweating

√ Strong and rapid pulse

√ Confusion and/or unconsciousness

√ High fever

√ Throbbing headaches

√ Nausea, vomiting or both

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

For more information, tips and advice on how to take care of your heart, visit www.heart.org.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

 

Northwest Bank assisting History Center to promote children’s programs

This summer, Northwest Bank is assisting the History Center in promoting its children’s programs. As an incentive for parents to enroll their children, Northwest Bank is sponsoring special sign-up times that include a goodie bag for each child registered and paid for that during the promotion. Payment can be made with a History Center representative at the bank by cash or check during the designated times.

A History Center representative will be at the Northwest Bank’s main office, at 55 East Ave., Lockport, on Thursday, Aug. 12 (9-11 a.m.), and Friday, Aug. 13 (3-5 p.m.). Northwest Bank is also providing the lunchtime snack during the children’s program. The History Center said it is grateful for all assistance provided by Northwest Bank for these educational opportunities.

On Wednesday, Aug. 18 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), the History Center of Niagara is offering children ages 7 through 12 the opportunity to take “A Trip on the Titanic.” Participants will be given a ticket upon arrival with the name, age, country of origin and class accommodation (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of an actual passenger. The “passengers” will learn details about the ocean liner, how it was divided by class status and how each class lived on the ship. They can then experience some shipboard activities including early 20th century games, creating a souvenir postcard, making a Morse code device and sending an SOS signal. At the end of the program, the fate of each passenger will be revealed. These activities are similar to those conducted at Titanic museums all over the world.

The program takes place at the History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport. The fee is $20 per child with a $5 off coupon available in the Town of Lockport summer newsletter. Reservations are required. Those who cannot sign-up a child during the Northwest Bank promotion can call the History Center at 716-434-7433 or email [email protected] for information, registration or COVID-19 concerns.

The History Center monitors CDC/state COVID-19 guidelines and will adjust requirements to meet conditions on the day of the program. For social distancing purposes, space is limited to 16 children per program. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are available for use. Parents will be asked to sign a form regarding a mask policy for their child.

Northwest Bancshares Inc. is the holding company of Northwest Bank, which is headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services. Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares and Northwest Bank can be accessed online at www.northwest.com.