Oximeter Aids East Coast Heat Wave

The east coast of the United States is experiencing a dangerous heat wave, where temperatures are reaching triple digits and the heat index is even worse. There have been many reports of heat related illnesses and even a few deaths. The most common symptoms experienced by individuals suffering heat related illnesses are headaches and stomachaches, which are followed by nausea. The elderly and infants are the ones who are most at risk, since their immune systems do not perform at 100 percent efficiency. Many volunteers have been doing door to door in various neighborhoods checking on the elderly. Ones who are not in homes with air conditioning, they are advising them to head to designated shelters and community centers. Some elderly have even just been transported to shopping malls for their safety. The cause of this most recent heat wave is a high pressure system that is just sitting on top of the east coast. Experts have stated that this is a good indication that this year's hurricane season may be quite severe in comparison to the last few years.

This heat wave creates an environment similar to a sauna, which makes is very difficult for individuals to breathe. People who are already suffering from respiratory illnesses are the ones who are most likely to be at risk first. In order to combat that, various health departments are recommending the use of an oximeter for individuals who suffer from respiratory illnesses. An oximeter is a medical device used by patients to measure their blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. It has been around for many years now, but mostly in clinical settings as a tabletop unit. These traditional units are both bulky and out of reach for home and personal use. Patients with respiratory illnesses are haven ordered to check their oxygen levels multiple times a day. If a reading less than 90 percent is recorded, they are asked to contact their physical immediately for further direction. Just in New York City over 1,500 oximeters have been handed out to the elderly. Many of them did not even know that an oximeter for home or personal use existed. Cities have taken on the cost of the device, because it is most efficient to avoid an expensive emergency room visit.

The heat wave in the east coast is expected to last through the end of the week and maybe into the upcoming weekend.

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