May 15--The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department has seen an increase recently in heat-related illness among senior citizens as temperatures have climbed, the department's spokesman said.

In any given week, firefighters with the department are responding to five to eight calls for assistance to people suffering heat-related assistance, Robby Rodriguez said, adding they typically get no such calls during the winter months.

Rodriguez said temperatures higher than 100 degrees can be very dangerous and that the body needs time to adjust to the hot weather, especially during the early summer months.

"Senior citizens are at an especially high risk of experiencing heat stress and heat-related injuries throughout the summer. Your body doesn't work as well the older you get."

Rodriguez said that compared with a younger person, an older person may not be able to sense elevations in temperature as quickly or be able to cool down as readily.

Certain medications for chronic illness that many older people take, Rodriguez said, can also affect the body's normal responses to heat.

"We aren't saying to stop what you do. Just stay hydrated. We want everyone to take precautions, especially when you go outside during the day."

The biggest danger, Rodriguez said, is as temperatures rise, so does the risk for heatstroke and other heat-related injuries. And oftentimes the warning signs for these conditions go unnoticed.

Rodriguez said there are things people can do to keep their body temperature down.

"If you know you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, start drinking lots of liquids the day before."

Rodriguez urged limiting activity to morning and evening hours. Also wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Also drink more fluids during the day, regardless of activity level. Don't wait until you are thirsty, Rodriguez said, explaining that thirst is a late response of the body to fluid depletion. People who feel thirsty are already low on fluids.

Heat-related injuries range from minor issues such as muscle cramps due to loss of water and salt through perspiration, to heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea and weakness, to potentially fatal heatstroke.

In severe dehydration, Rodriguez said, these effects become more pronounced and the person may develop symptoms such as diminished consciousness, lack of urine output, cool moist extremities, a rapid and feeble pulse, and low or undetectable blood pressure. Death follows soon if rehydration is not started quickly, Rodriguez said.