The Duncan Banner

Local News

July 16, 2010

Tips for safe shopping in the heat

David Laughlin The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Garage sale aficionados and modest deal seekers alike will converge on Duncan this weekend in search of bargains. Buyers and sellers alike will be dealing with scorching summer heat with temperatures drawing close to triple digits. While the inundation of consumers into Duncan may be good, it also means roads will be congested.

While squaring off with the squelching heat, everyone should be reminded of a few simple ideas to help cope with the heat. Necia Russell, Registered Nurse with the Emergency Room at Duncan Regional Hospital, and Dr. Charles Dickerson offered their knowledge to help eager potential patrons and sellers alike.

“Don’t leave the kids in the car at all, even if you leave the air conditioning on,” she said. “They shouldn’t be left in there at all.”

Russell said children are more susceptible to heat than adults. “Children can’t tolerate the heat as well as we can,” she said.

A simple hat can prevent a sun burnt face and neck. Dickerson said ball caps don’t offer enough coverage. He said full brimmed hats offer the most protection because they shade the ears and neck from harmful burns. In addition to head attire, Russell said loose fitting, light clothing is also a good idea for people planning to hit the sales this weekend. Both Dickerson and Russell agreed sunscreen should be used at all times. Dickerson said people can get burned very quickly out in the heat.

If anyone finds themselves with a sun burn, he said they can soak in a cool bathtub, take anti-inflammatory pills to reduce swelling, and use skin moisturizer to help be on the mend from the burn quicker.

Russell said the most important part of being healthy in the heat is to stay hydrated. Dickerson added that dehydration is the main culprit in heat sicknesses. Russell said sweet drinks like soda are not a good option when it comes to staying hydrated.

“People should drink something every hour,” she said. The amount varies with the size of the individual. She said if people make a habit out of drinking water every hour dehydration probably won’t be an issue. Dickerson said people should alternate their drinks from water to some kind of sports drink to replenish needed nutrients the body loses through sweat.

Already this week, she said, several people have visited the hospital with heat related illnesses.

“If you are out in the heat, once you stop sweating, that is a very bad sign,” she said. “If they have stopped sweating, become lethargic, dizzy, those are signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”

Russell said if anyone begins to experience any of those signs, she advises them to go to the hospital immediately and get evaluated by a medical official.

Lt. Robert Lynn, Director of the Stephens County Public Safety Communication Center, said patience isn’t just a virtue, it is imperative this weekend. He said the dispatch center is likely to be extremely busy.

Lynn said parking close to the curb is important. As is not parking too close to intersections or in front of fire hydrants. He said people need to use caution when driving because children have a tendency to escape a parents watchful eye and can find their way to roadways. “If you go to a sale that is too busy just go around the block,” he said.

Heat and congested roadways can degrade anyone’s patience. Lynn said people are always in a hurry. Add in the heat and people can lose their cool. “Heat and anger always brings about bad stuff,” he said.

Duncan will be hopping this weekend, and with a few precautions, and plenty of patience, everyone can find the perfect deal and stay safe.



— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.

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