Memphis, TN. - The Forensic Center has reported the seventh and eighth heat-related deaths this season.   According to the Shelby County Medical Examiner, Dr. Karen E. Chancellor, a 57-year-old  male was found dead in his home on July 23, 2010. There was no working air-conditioning unit in the home; however a fan was on. On the afternoon of July 25th a 56 year old male was found seated in a car parked in the carport of his home.  He had last been seen earlier that day working in his yard. Both of the deceased reportedly suffered from several chronic diseases and environmental heat exposure has been ruled a contributing factor in both deaths.

These tragedies are a stark reminder that extreme heat is not just extremely uncomfortable; it can be extremely dangerous to our health. Now is the time to be “our brothers' and sisters' keepers; "to be a community, to encourage each other to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves," said Kenneth Robinson, M.D., Shelby County Health Officer. Heat-related illness can be deadly, especially if it goes untreated or the victim is at especially high risk.  "Although certain population groups such as the elderly and very young are at greatest risk during periods of high heat and humidity, absolutely everyone is at risk of suffering serious health consequences.  If a person shows signs of confusion, nausea and vomiting; and particularly if the skin feels extremely hot, but the person stops sweating  -  this should be considered a medical emergency. "

The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department offers the following tips to help prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Wear light-colored, loose, light-weight clothing and sunscreen.
• Limit outdoor activities.
• Pace yourself.
• Stay cool indoors, especially in the heat of the day.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a car.
• Check frequently on elderly relatives and neighbors, especially those who may not have adequate air-conditioning.
• If you do not have air-conditioning in your home, go to a mall, community center, library or other public building during the hottest part of the day.
• When using fans, remember to open available windows to increase cross circulation.
• If you exercise outside, do so in the early morning or late evening hours when the temperatures are cooler.
• Monitor children for signs of heat distress when they are playing outside.

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South's Fan for Seniors Program uses volunteers to deliver fans to persons over the age of 65.  Individuals may receive a fan every other year if they live in Shelby County and do not have functioning air conditioning.  Those in need of a fan or wanting to make a donation to the program may contact the Aging Commission of the Mid-South at (901) 324-3399.

For more information contact the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department's Epidemiology Section at (901) 544-7717 during normal business hours.  For more information about heat-related illnesses, including prevention and treatment tips, visit the CDC's Extreme Heat Safety Web site at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp.