3rd shopping advisory re Robinson Ermita; Mosquito Management; Etc.

3rd shopping advisory re Robinson Ermita
Robina Gokongwei Pe was identified as an official of Robinson. On July 11, 2008, deadly weapons could twice have been brought into said mall because of security lapses by guards at different entrances to said mall. Further details available. Am willing to execute an affidavit regarding said security lapses.

Integrated Mosquito Management
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mosquitosite/




* CO2 Baited Traps
* Area Repellents
* Home Remedies
* Topical Repellents
* Sonic Devices
* Trap Count
* Contact Info

Mosquitoes are annoying little pests that can drive you inside when you would rather be in the great outdoors. You can easily find information about lots of ways to prevent them from attacking you. But which of these methods works? To help you make an informed decision, this site will present the scientific evidence about the effectiveness of mosquito traps, candles and lanterns, electronic devices, home remedies, and bug sprays.

Read on to see what scientists have to say about your favorite mosquito prevention method, including:

Carbon dioxide baited mosquito traps:
Mosquito Magnet
Dynatrap
Dragonfly biting insect trap with Mosquito Cognito

Carbon dioxide baited mosquito traps


dynatrapsmallThese traps provided no protection from mosquito bites.
Many types of carbon dioxide baited mosquito traps have appeared on the market in the last ten years. These traps attract mosquitoes through one or more of the following methods: the release of CO2, light (UV or visible), heat, release of octenol. Studies confirm that these traps do catch mosquitoes. However, the key question is whether this results in a measurable reduction in the number of mosquitoes that land and bite humans in the area that is supposed to be protected by the trap. For the average homeowner, answering this question is difficult because the number of mosquitoes in an area can change dramatically over the course of a few days regardless of trap use. This happens because of natural cycling of mosquito populations or changes in weather conditions (windy, wet, cold conditions all reduce mosquito activity). A good experiment would compare yards or areas with and without traps. The study sites would be similar in mosquito activity and the key outcome (reduction in mosquito bites) would be measured. Results of studies that are designed in this way indicate that traps usually do not work to reduce human biting (see references below). For example, Mosquito Magnets do catch 1000's of mosquitoes, but this does not change the biting rates in yards containing these devices.

mosquitomagnetsmall
References

Collier B.W., Perick M.J., Boquin G.J., Harrington S.R. and Francis M.J. 2006. Field evaluations of mosquito control devices in southern Louisiana. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 22:444-450.

Henderson, J. P., Westwood R., and Galloway T. 2006. An assessment of the effectiveness of the Mosquito Magnet Pro model for suppression of nuisance mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 22(3):401-407.



Area repellents
SC Johnson Off Lantern
ThermaCell mosquito repellent system
Citronella candles
Plants

Area Repellents

lanternMany lanterns, coils, and candles reduce mosquito bites but plants don't work.

Some mosquito control devices use repellents to protect a small area like a patio. Devices that use allethrin or other pyrethroids to repel mosquitoes include the SC Johnson Off (TM) Mosquito Lantern, Mosquito coils, and the ThermaCell(TM) Mosquito Repellent System.

A good study design for these devices requires sampling of mosquitoes that land on humans within the protected area and comparison of these results with another household without a device. Additional information can be gathered by monitoring mosquito activity at the sites using simple light traps to verify that activity is similar between the two households. Studies that have used this type of design indicate that area repellents emitting small doses of allethrin can reduce the number of biting mosquitoes (Collier et al. 2006, Jensen et al. 2000).

Geraniol candles protected much better than citronella candles

Candles or other devices emitting citronella have also been tested, but the results suggested relatively small reductions in the number of biting mosquitoes (Jensen et al. 2000, Muller et al. 2008, Lindsay et al. 1996). Other plant essential oils (linalool and geraniol) in candles demonstrated better repellency rates in an indoor setting when close to the volunteer (Muller et al. 2008a). In an outdoor setting, geraniol candles gave moderate protection fo volunteers seated within a 1 meter distance from candles (Muller et al. 2008b).

Citrosa plants have no effect

Even plants have been marketed as mosquito repellents. Tests of the citrosa plant failed to demonstrate any reduction of mosquito bites in areas near the plant (Cilek et al. 1994, Cummins and Craig 1995, Matsuda et al. 1996).
References

Cilek, J. E. and E. T. Schreiber. 1994. Failure of the "mosquito plant" Pelargonium X citrosum 'van Leenii' to repel adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in Florida. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 10(4): 473 - 476.

Collier B.W., Perich M.J., Boquin G.J., Harrington S.R., and Francis M.J. 2006. Field evaluation of mosquito control devices on Southern Louisiana. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 22(3):444-450.

Cummings R.J. and Craig G.B., Jr. 1995. The citrosa plant as a mosquito repellant? Failure in field trials in upper Michigan. The Vector Control Bulletin of the North Central States. 4: 16-28.

Jensen T., Lampman R., Slamecka M.C. and Novak R.J. 2000. Field efficacy of commercial antimosquito products in Illinois. Jourrnal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 16:148-152.

Lindsay L. R.; Surgeoner G. A. ; Heal J. D. ; Gallivan G. J. 1996. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 12:293-294.

Matsuda B. M., Surgeoner G.A., Heal J.D., Tucker A. O. and Maciarello M.J. 1996. Essential oil analysis and field evaluation of the citrosa plant "Pelargonium citrosum" as a repellent against populations of Aedes mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 12:69-74.

Muller G.C., Junnila A., Kravchenko V.D., Revay E.E., Butler J., and Schlein Y. 2008a. Indoor protection against mosquito and sand fly bites: a comparison between citronella, linalool, and geraniol candles.

Muller G.C., Junnila A., Kravchenko V.D., Revay E.E., Butler J., Orlova O.B., Weiss R.W. and Schlein Y. 2008b. Ability of essential oil candles to repel biting insects in high and low biting pressure environments. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 24:154-160.


Eating garlic or taking vitamin B tablets don't work to reduce mosquito bites.

Eating garlic or taking a vitamin B tablet are often suggested as ways to prevent mosquito bites. These remedies have been tested by asking volunteers to take either a placebo (a capsule containing sugar or vitamin C) or a remedy capsule (garlic or vitamin B) and then to participate in a test of their attractiveness to mosquitoes in a laboratory. Attractiveness can be determined by counting the number of bites or landings for each subject. Volunteers are then asked to return at another time for a second assay, this time after eating whichever treatment (placebo or remedy) they did not use the first time. Studies of garlic and vitamin B did not find evidence that these substances could reduce mosquito attraction. Studies in a more natural setting have not been carried out.


Scented Personal Productslotions

There is no evidence that wearing scented lotions or perfumes attracts mosquitoes.

Other remedies include limiting the use of scented lotions or perfumes. Female mosquitoes will often use flowers as souces of nectar, which they can use for energy and some floral scents are attractive to mosquitoes in laboratory settings. Although there are studies of mosquito attraction to plants and floral scents, there are no studies of the effects of scented personal products (lotions, sprays, deodorants, aftershaves, or perfumes) on mosquito attraction to humans.


Alcohol

guinessDrinking alcohol may increase your attractiveness to mosquitoes.

An interesting study suggested that the ingestion of alcohol may stimulate mosquito attraction. Mosquito landing on volunteers significantly increased after alcohol ingestion compared with before ingestion (Shiral et al. 2002).




Other Home Remedies

bananasBananas and listerine have not been tested.

As of now, we don't know whether avoiding bananas or spritzing your deck with Listerine will have any effect on mosquito behavior.



References

Khan A.A., Maibach H.I., Strauss W.G., and Fenley W.R.1969. Vitamin B1 is not a systemic mosquito repellent in man. Transactions of St. John's Hospital Dermatology Society. 55:99-102.

Ives A. R. and Paskewitz S.M. 2005. Testing vitamin B as a home remedy against mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 21(2): 213-217.

Maasch H.J. 1973. Investigations on the repellent effect of vitamin B1. Z Tropen Med Parasit 4:119-122.

Rajan T.V., Hein M., Porte P. and Wikel S. 2005. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of garlic as a mosquito repellant: a preliminary study. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 19:84-89.

Shiral Y., Tsuda T., Kitagawa S., Naitoh K., Seki T., Kamimura K., and Morohashi M. 2002. Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 18:91-96.

Strauss W.G., Maibach H.I., Khan A.A. 1968. Drugs and disease as mosquito repellents in man. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 17:461-464.

Wilson C.S., Mathieson D.R., Jachowski L.A. 1944. Ingested thiamine chloride as a mosquito repellent. Science 100:147.


Home remedies
Garlic
Vitamin B (including patches)
Avoiding scented products (lotions, perfumes)
Avoiding alcohol

Topical repellents for application to skin
Products containing DEET including wrist bands, sprays, lotions
Products containing picaridin
Products containing citronella
Products containing eucalyptus

Sonic or electronic devices

Have a remedy of your own that you don't see here? Use the Contact Information page to submit a description. If it's been subjected to scientific testing, we'll update our list. Some methods that have not been tested include:

Avoiding bananas
Listerine sprays

This information was gathered by scientists at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and the University provided support for the development of this website.


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http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=4670b93a0b088a006bc1d6b760008a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_4670b93a0b088a006bc1d6b760008a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=279c5a6b35cdff00VgnVCM1000002c567798RCRD&overrideViewName=Article


NHTSA Dictionary of Child Safety Seat Terms
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=4670b93a0b088a006bc1d6b760008a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_4670b93a0b088a006bc1d6b760008a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=279c5a6b35cdff00VgnVCM1000002c567798RCRD&overrideViewName=Article

2-Point Seat Belt: A restraint system with two attachment points. A lap belt.

3-Point Child Restraint Harness (CR) Harness: A restraint system with three attachment points, two at the shoulder and one between the legs.

3-Point Seat Belt: A seat belt with both a lap and a shoulder portion, having three attachment points (one shoulder, two hips).

5-Point Child Restraint (CR) Harness: A child restraint harness with five attachment points, two at the shoulder, two at the hips, one between the legs.

Advanced Air Bags: Supplemental restraint systems with deployment adjustments to better protect children and improperly positioned adults.

Air Bag: A passive (idle) restraint system that automatically deploys during a crash to act as a cushion for the occupant. It creates a broad surface on which to spread the forces of the crash, to reduce head and chest injury. It is considered “supplementary” to the lap/shoulder belts because it enhances the protection the belt system offers in frontal crashes. Also known as SRS - supplemental restraint system; SIR - supplemental inflatable restraint; SIPS - side impact protection system; IC - inflatable curtain; SIAB - side impact air bag)

Armrest (child seat): A U-shaped bar encircling the child on older models of child restraints; not connected to the shoulder straps and not part of the system intended to restrain the child. Not a shield. No longer allowed on child restraints meeting FMVSS No. 213 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard).

Armrest (vehicle): Found in the middle of the back seat of some vehicles. These usually pull down from the top of the vehicle seat back cushion. Some child seat manufacturers recommend against placing a rear facing child seat in a seating position which has a pull down armrest.

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR): A safety belt retractor that locks maintaining a fixed seat belt (lap belt) length during use. Good for child seat installation.

Automatic Restraint: Passive restraint that requires no action by the user; (e.g., shoulder or lap/shoulder belts that automatically wrap around the occupant; air bags).

Base (of a child seat): The base of a child seat is the lower portion that rests on the vehicle seat. A detachable base that comes with many infant seats is used to permit a fixed installation into the vehicle allowing the chilc seat to be taken in and out of the vehicle without having to do a new installation each time.

Belt Anchor Points: Fixed locations where the safety belt's latchplate and buckle are anchored to the vehicle structure.

Belt Path/Route: The manufacturer's required place where the safety belt passes around or through the child restraint.

Belt-Positioning Booster Seat (BPB): A platform that raises the child (provides a taller sitting height) so adult lap and shoulder belts fit better; some have high backs as well. Never use with a lap belt only across the child.

Belt-Shortening Clip or Heavy Duty Locking Clip: A heavy duty locking clip intended for use to shorten lap belts which have emergency locking retractors (ELRs) for use with a child restraint. Not to be confused with a standard locking clip. Heavy duty locking clips can only be obtained through a vehicle manufacturer.

Belt Webbing: A term used to refer to the vehicle seat belt material.

Booster Seats: Are intended to be used as a transition to lap and shoulder belts by older children who have outgrown convertible seats (over 40 pounds). They are available in high backs, for use in vehicles with low seat backs or no head restraints, and no-back; booster bases only.

Buckle: The locking mechanism of the vehicle belt and child safety seat buckle/latchplate system. Buckles are typically mounted/attached to fabric webbing and/or by metal or plastic stalks.

Car Seat: Common term for a specially designed device that secures a child in a motor vehicle, meets federal safety standards, and increases child safety in a crash.

Chest Clip: The chect clip is the device on the harness straps of the child safety seats used to position the straps properly on the child.

Child Safety Seat/Child Restraint: A crash tested device that is specially designed to provide infant/child crash protection. A general term for all sorts of devices including those that are vests or car beds rather than seats.

Children With Special Transportation Needs: Children whose physical, medical, or behavioral condition makes the use of particular, often specially-designed, restraints necessary. P id=indented>Cinching Latchplate: (also known as lightweight locking latchplate) Found on some continuous loop lap and shoulder belts. A latchplate which has a sliding lock/cinch feature intended to keep the vehicle belt at a fixed length for child seat installation.

Combination Child Seat/BPB: A type of forward facing child restraint that is used with an internal harness system to secure a child up to 40 pounds and then, with the removal of the internal harness, is used as a high back belt positioning booster (BPB) seat.

Combination (Switchable) ELR/ALR Retractor: A safety belt retractor that can be operated in the emergency locking mode for adults and switched to the automatic locking mode for use with a child safety seat.

Compliance Tests: Rigorous crash and static testing done to assure that manufacturers meet required federal standards (in this case, FMVSS 213). Performance requirements established by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Continuous-Loop Lap/Shoulder Belt: A three-point belt that uses one continuous piece of webbing, that slides through a latch plate. It is connected at one end to the vehicle at the anchor point and the other to a retractor system.

Convertible Child Safety Seat/Restraint: A child restraint that can be used in more than one mode; usually rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers.

CPS: Child Passenger Safety. elr

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR): Allows the belt to move freely, locks only when the vehicle or occupant slows quickly/abruptly or stops suddenly. Will not secure a child safety seat. An ELR may be switchable, converting from an emergency locking to automatic locking system.

Fixed Latchplate: Latchplate is permanently sewn/attached to the lap belt to or the combination lap and shoulder belt.

FMVSS 213: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that pertains to all restraint systems intended for use as crash protection in vehicles for children up to 50 pounds.

FMVSS No. 225: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that pertains to the standardized vehicle anchorage systems for child safety seats (upper and lower) that are independent of the vehicle seat belts.

Foam Noodle: This is a is a foam rod or tube about 4-5 inches in diameter and five feet long; these are found in pool and toy stores. Cut off a piece the width of the child seat base and use to raise the base of the seat to obtain a 45 degree angle. A rolled up towel or newspapers, etc., serve the same purpose.

Forward-Facing Child Restraint: A restraint that is intended for use only in the forward-facing position for a child at least age one and at least 20 pounds up to 40 pounds.

Free Sliding Latchplate: Type of latch plate that has no lock feature to securely position the latchplate along the belt webbing. The latchplate “freely” slides along the belt. This type of system must have a locking retractor to keep the belt at a fixed length for child seat installation or it must be used with a regular locking clip.

Frontal Air Bag: A frontal air bag is one installed in the dashboard.

Harness Retainer Clip: A plastic tie or clasp that holds the two shoulder straps close together over the child's chest at armpit level; intended to keep harness straps in position on the shoulders. Used for pre-crash positioning.

Harness Strap: This refers to the child seat straps used to secure the child into the safety seat.

Harness Threading: Harness straps should be in lowest slots for rear facing infants (at or below shoulder level); in top slots for forward facing use (at or above shoulder level). Always refer to the child seat manufacturers instructions for proper location.

Heavy Duty Locking Clip (HDLC) or Belt Shortening Clip: A flat, H-shaped metal clip, intended for shortening a lap belt with an emergency locking retractor so it will secure a child restraint. Can also be used to prevent webbing from sliding through a sliding latch plate. Heavy Duty Locking Clips can only be obtained from a vehicle manufacturer.

Infant-Only Restraint: A restraint designed for use only by a baby (usually weighing less than 17-22 pounds) in a semi-reclined, rear-facing position.

Integral/Integrated Child Seat: A child-sized, forward facing restraint or belt-positioning booster built into a vehicle seat. Some have a full harness and hold children over 20 pounds; others are belt-positioning boosters for use with the adult lap and shoulder belts.

Lap Belt: A safety belt anchored at two points, for use across the occupant's thighs/hips.

Lap/Shoulder Belt: A safety belt that is anchored at three points and restrains the occupant at the hips and across the shoulder; also called a “combination belt”.

LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (new acronym for standardized vehicle anchorage system).

Latchplate: The part of the buckle mechanism that slides into the buckle; usually the part that affects the length of the belt. Switchable latchplates have a lock button to allow the seatbelt to be locked around the child safety seat.

Locking Clip: A flat H-shaped metal clip intended to fasten together belt webbing (lap and shoulder portion) at a sliding latch plate, to prevent the webbing from sliding through. Typically the clip which comes attached with most child safety seats. Should be fastened just above the latch plate. Cannot be used in place of a Heavy Duty Locking Clip.

Locking Latchplate: A latch plate that holds the lap belt snug after it has been adjusted. Type of latchplate that contains a metal bar on the underside of the hardware that “locks” the belt in position.

Lower Anchorage System: New method to affix Child Restraint System (CRS) to vehicles independent of the vehicle seat belts.

Manual Seat Belt: A seat belt that must be fastened and adjusted by the occupant, often found in the rear center seating position.

Model Year (MY): Date of manufacture of either a vehicle or a child restraint system.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The federal agency that sets performance requirements for motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment such as child restraints.

Overhead Shield: See “Tray Shield”.

Passenger-Air Bag: An air bag that is in the right front part of the passenger compartment. It is larger than the driver bag and would restrain either center or right-front occupants. Air bags are a supplement to the use of seat belts and designed to protect adult occupants in frontal crashes.

Rear-Facing Infant Seat: Type of child restraint system that is specifically meant for use by children from birth up to approximately 20 pounds used in the rear-facing mode only.

Retractor: A mechanism that rolls up the unused webbing of the safety belt when it is not in use and takes up slack around the user.

Seat Belt: The webbing, anchor and buckle system that restrains the occupant and/or child safety seat in the vehicle.

Seat Belt Positioning Devices: These are products marketed and sold to adjust the vehicle seat belt to fit a child. There are no federal safety standards for these products. NHTSA recommends the use of child safety seats and booster seats instead of these products.

Seat Bight/Seat Crack: The intersection between the bottom vehicle seat cushion and the back cushion.

Sewn-On Latchplate or Fixed Latchplate: Latch plate is permanently sewn to the lap or lap and shoulder belt.

Shell: The molded plastic structure of the child restraint. In some models, the shell is attached to or reinforced by a metal bar or frame.

Shield Booster Seat: A platform that raises the child and positions a small convex shield across the lap and lower abdomen to restrain the child. A vehicle lap belt restrains the booster seat. Some models have removable shields and covert to a belt-position booster seat(BPB).

Shoulder Belt Positioners or Comfort Guides: Devices (some built in and some add-ons) that can be used to reposition shoulder belts so they fit across the shoulder rather than across the neck. Aftermarket belt positioners are not currently tested by NHTSA.

Shoulder Harness Slots: Slots in the back of the child restraint through which the shoulder straps are routed.

Side Impact Air Bags: Provide additional chest protection to adults in many side crashes. Children who are seated in close proximity to a side air bag may be at risk of serious or fatal injury if the air bag deploys. Check with the vehicle dealer or vehicle owner's manual for information about danger to children.

Sliding Latchplate: A latchplate that moves freely on a continuous loop of vehicle belt webbing.

Stroller System: A combination of child safety seat and stroller frame/wheels allowing the child safety seat to be removed from the vehicle and attached to the stoller frame for stoller usage.

Switchable Retractor (ELR/ALR): Are designed for adults to use the emergency locking retractor (ELR) and children in safety seats to use the automatic locking retractor (ALR). Check the vehicle belt for a label describing the switchable function in addition to the information provided in the vehicle owners manual. Some convert from ELR to ALR by pulling the belt all the way out of the retractor, as it rewinds, it should lock and hold at the appropriate length.

T-Shield: Part of a restraint system in a child safety seat; a roughly triangular or “T” shaped pad that is attached to the shoulder harness straps, fits over the child's abdomen and hips and buckles between the legs.

Tether Anchor: Attachment point in vehicle for child safety seat tether strap. Refer to vehicle owner's manual regarding anchor location.

Tether Strap: An additional belt that anchors the child safety seat top to the vehicle frame; keeps the restraint from tipping forward on impact; can provide an extra margin of protection. Can be optional or factory installed. A tether strap is typically available on most child safety seats manufactured after September 1, 1999.

Tilt-lock tether strap adjuster: Tether can be tightened or loosened after installation in the vehicle without unhooking or re-threading the strap.

Tray Shield: Part of a restraint system in a child safety seat; a wide, padded surface that swings down in front of the child's body, attached to shoulder straps and crotch buckle. Looks like a padded armrest, but is an integral part of the harness system.

Vest: A child restraint system that has shoulder straps, hip straps (and sometimes) a crotch strap. Can be specially made to order according to a child's chest measurement, etc. Must be used along with the vehicle belt system.

Whiplash Injury: An injury to the neck usually caused by sudden whipping of the head backward during a rear impact collision.

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well blogs nytimes
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ttp://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Extreme Heat
1. What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.

2. Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

3. What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

4. What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

* An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
* Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
* Rapid, strong pulse
* Throbbing headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Confusion
* Unconsciousness

5. What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

* Get the victim to a shady area.
* Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
* Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
* If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
* Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
* Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

6. What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.

7. What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

* Heavy sweating
* Paleness
* Muscle cramps
* Tiredness
* Weakness
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

8. What steps can be taken to cool the body during heat exhaustion?

* Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
* Rest.
* Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
* Seek an air-conditioned environment.
* Wear lightweight clothing.

9. What are heat cramps and who is affected?

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms – usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs – that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps.

10. What should I do if I have heat cramps?

If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps:

* Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
* Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
* Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
* Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

11. What is heat rash?

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

12. What is the best treatment for heat rash?

The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

13. Can medications increase the risk of heat-related illness?

The risk for heat-related illness and death may increase among people using the following drugs: (1) psychotropics, which affect psychic function, behavior, or experience (e.g. haloperidol or chlorpromazine); (2) medications for Parkinson’s disease, because they can inhibit perspiration; (3) tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes; and (4) diuretic medications or "water pills" that affect fluid balance in the body.

14. How effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related illness?

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.

15. How can people protect their health when temperatures are extremely high?

Remember to keep cool and use common sense. Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and minerals, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, stay cool indoors, schedule outdoor activities carefully, use a buddy system, monitor those at risk, and adjust to the environment.

16. How much should I drink during hot weather?

During hot weather you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

17. Should I take salt tablets during hot weather?

Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to do this is through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when you exercise or work in the heat.

18. What is the best clothing for hot weather or a heat wave?

Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. If you must go outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the package directions. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin.

19. What should I do if I work in a hot environment?

Pace yourself. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least in the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.

This information provided by NCEH's Health Studies Branch.

Page last modified August 15, 2006

Cyber Security Tips
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/

Cyber Security Tips describe and offer advice about common security issues for non-technical computer users.






General information

* Why is Cyber Security a Problem?
* Guidelines for Publishing Information Online
* Understanding Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

General security

* Choosing and Protecting Passwords
* Understanding Anti-Virus Software
* Understanding Firewalls
* Coordinating Virus and Spyware Defense
* Debunking Some Common Myths
* Good Security Habits
* Safeguarding Your Data
* Real-World Warnings Keep You Safe Online
* Keeping Children Safe Online

Attacks and threats

* Dealing with Cyberbullies
* Understanding Hidden Threats: Corrupted Software Files
* Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets
* Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft
* Recovering from Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses
* Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
* Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
* Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks
* Identifying Hoaxes and Urban Legends
* Avoiding the Pitfalls of Online Trading

Email and communication

* Understanding Your Computer: Email Clients
* Using Caution with Email Attachments
* Reducing Spam
* Benefits and Risks of Free Email Services
* Benefits of Blind Carbon Copy (BCC)
* Understanding Digital Signatures
* Using Instant Messaging and Chat Rooms Safely
* Staying Safe on Social Network Sites

Mobile devices

* Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security
* Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security
* Securing Wireless Networks
* Cybersecurity for Electronic Devices
* Defending Cell Phones and PDAs Against Attack

Privacy

* How Anonymous Are You?
* Protecting Your Privacy
* Understanding Encryption
* Effectively Erasing Files
* Supplementing Passwords

Safe browsing

* Understanding Your Computer: Web Browsers
* Evaluating Your Web Browser's Security Settings
* Shopping Safely Online
* Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies
* Understanding Web Site Certificates
* Understanding Internationalized Domain Names
* Understanding Bluetooth Technology
* Avoiding Copyright Infringement

Software and applications

* Understanding Patches
* Understanding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
* Risks of File-Sharing Technology
* Reviewing End-User License Agreements
* Understanding Your Computer: Operating Systems

Information about earthquakes
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709144210.htm



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