{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Radio Chatskill","title":"How to Stay Safe and Cool in Extreme Heat as Temperatures Soar","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":513,"description":"Dangerously hot and humid conditions will continue through Wednesday. \"Feels-like\" temps will reach over 100° in several areas in the region. Extreme heat and humidity can be more than just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening.Tim Bruno spoke to Dr. Maria Ranin-Lay, a primary care provider with Crystal Run Healthcare, about how this kind of weather affects our health, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to stay safe.“It can be very dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations,” Dr. Ranin-Lay said. “Children, infants, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, and COPD are most at risk—as are those working outdoors.”Know the Warning SignsDr. Ranin-Lay urges residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including:Excessive sweatingNauseaDizzinessHeadacheRapid heartbeatIf not addressed, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition marked by confusion, dry and hot skin, and body temperatures reaching 104°F or higher.“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you see someone with these symptoms, call 911 immediately,” she stressed.Why the “Feels Like” Temperature MattersWhile the air temperature might read in the 90s, it’s the heat index—a measure that combines temperature with humidity—that truly reflects how the body experiences heat.“If it’s 90 degrees but the humidity is high, it could feel like 104 or 105,” Dr. Ranin-Lay explained. “That makes it even harder for the body to cool itself, since sweat can’t evaporate properly in humid conditions.”Adapting to the New NormalWith extreme heat events becoming more frequent due to climate change, Dr. Ranin-Lay says we need to treat heat like any other natural hazard—similar to how we prepare for snowstorms or hurricanes.“We need to relearn heat awareness,” she said. “That includes understanding the heat index, dew point, and UV levels, and changing our habits accordingly.”Her tips include:Scheduling outdoor activity for early morning or...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q7XXsnSXT_u4mZLCn3chUorwDmUD_kWiB272D6emB18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80N2Uy/OGY5MWUwZThkYTEw/NDVkZGM2ZGZkZDIw/ZjliOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}