The best defense is prevention.
Here are some prevention tips:

·         Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
 

·         Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
 

·         Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
 

·         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.
 

·         Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
 

·         NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
 

·         Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
 

o    Infants and young children

o    People aged 65 or older

o    People who have a mental illness

o    Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
 

·         Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

·         Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
 

·         Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
 

·         Try to rest often in shady areas.
 

·         Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

Shreveport Fire Department offers Heat Advisory to Survive Extreme Temperatures

While local meteorologists predict temperatures to reach 100 degrees over the next few days, the Shreveport Fire Department urges all citizens use extreme caution and minimize prolonged exposure to this sweltering summer heat.  The extreme temperatures can be exceptionally difficult on the City's elderly, small children and those with respiratory and other health problems.

The Shreveport Fire Department offers the following safety tips to help citizens remain cool and safe during the hot season:

·           Stay inside a cool dry area, if possible.

·           Eat a healthy diet.

·           If you must work outside, do so shortly after day break and/or just before nightfall.

·           Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing. Wearing a hat is important because it prevents heat load by acting as a barrier from the heat source.  Cooling the head and neck may be an effective means of reducing core body temperature.

·           If working in extreme temperatures, do so in increments and pace yourself.

·           Drink plenty of water.  Drink before you're thirsty and drink often.

·           Replace electrolytes with sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade. Avoid using table salt or salt tablets

As more and more consumers are falling behind on their bills, the collections industry is trying harder than ever to collect that debt.  

According to the Federal Trade Commission, more complaints are lodged against the debt collection industry than any other.  And they're reportedly using technology like social networking sites or cell phone texting to get you to pay up.

Experts say we're just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg.

There are some things you need to know to protect yourself.

AT WWW.BBB.ORG. TYPE IN YOUR ZIP CODE AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE A RELIABLITY REPORT FOR BUSINESSES IN YOUR AREA.