Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Health Department provides summer weather health tips

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun and activities. But it is also a time when heat stroke and other ailments can strike with little warning.

“During prolonged periods of hot, humid weather, extra caution should be taken by the elderly, small children, and chronically ill persons,” said Cindy Frank, administrator of the Boone County Health Department. “They are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Be sure they are able to move to a temperature-controlled room and remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.”

The Health Department offers these tips to avoid heat-related illnesses:

Drink extra fluids such as water, fruit juices or lemonade, especially during very humid weather.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing (especially made of cotton, if possible) that does not interfere with the evaporation of perspiration.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Decrease food high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
Try to engage in activities that involve strenuous labor in the evening or early morning hours to avoid the hottest part of the day, which is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment during this time.
In a home that lacks air conditioning, stay in the basement or lowest floor, close drapes to keep out the sun, or go to a shopping mall, library or other building that is air-conditioned.
Never leave an infant, elderly or disabled person or even a pet in a parked car with the windows closed.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can be caused by spending too much time in the heat, include pale and clammy skin, heavy perspiration, dizziness, weakness, headache or cramps, nausea and fainting. Symptoms of heat stroke, which can be caused by over-exposure to direct sunlight, are high body temperature, skin that is red and dry, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke can lead to death if untreated. An individual with any of these symptoms should see a physician as soon as possible.
To reduce over-exposure to sunlight during prolonged periods outdoors, remember to:
Apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen and lip balm, especially on children.
Wear a hat.
Wear sunglasses with an ANSI rating of 99 percent, and 98 percent UVA protection. These ratings should be found on the label of the sunglasses. Also, wear sunglasses that are either wraparounds or close-fitting to prevent the sun from filtering from the side.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Westwood still known as best without major win

Lee Westwood has 35 official wins around the globe and is coming off a five-stroke victory Saturday at the Nordea Masters in Sweden.

Entering this week's U.S. Open at The Olympic Club, the 39-year-old Englishman still rates as the best player to have never won a major.

"Majors are the only thing missing," the world's No. 3-ranked player said Tuesday. "Maybe I'll never win one. Maybe I will. I could. I've got no answer to that. Keep working hard and trying to get myself into the position. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

Westwood finished tied for seventh the last time the U.S. Open was played at Olympic, closing with rounds of 70 and 71. And he's had four top-10 U.S. Open finishes in 12 appearances, including a tie for third at last year's U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

He's also been a runner-up at both the Masters and the British Open, and helped lead Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup.

Just no major _ yet.

Coming off four rounds in the 60s last week could provide the momentum he needs to conquer Olympic's difficult layout once and for all.

When about the state of his game, however, Westwood wondered if it was a trick question, considering he just finished 19-under par and won by five strokes.

"You know, my game feels pretty good. I'm fairly confident," he said.

He just knows he won't be shooting 19-under par as he did in Stockholm, calling Olympic perhaps the toughest test since Oakmont in 2007.

Still, Westwood is considered a favorite by many because he is such a good ball striker.

"I'm delighted that they think that," said Westwood, who finished 2010 and part of 2011 ranked No. 1 in the world. "I can't figure out what's my kind of golf course and what isn't anymore. I think my game seems to be fairly well suited to most golf courses. But looking at this one, it really does test you tee to green. It's a good driver's golf course, if you can drive it in play a lot, then it gives you a chance to score. Not that you hit that many drivers around here, but I think any U.S. Open test is more of a tee to green examination than week in week out tournaments."

Westwood's win last week came without his regular caddie, out with a knee injury, and with new clubs in the bag. He even changed putters.

"There's been quite a lot of changes," he said. "That freshens it up a bit."