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Get ready to enjoy 107 degrees today
HEAT POOL1 7-29-17
Manteca Parks & Recreation staff member Jordan Flores, right, gets a high five from Levi Lucas who was at the Lincoln Park swimming pool in a bid to stay cool in triple digit heat. - photo by HIME ROMERO/ The Bulletin

Temperatures in Manteca are supposed to reach 107 degrees by the hottest part of today.
And as temperatures rise, so does the chance of heat-related illnesses.
The San Joaquin County Department of Public Health Services has launched a campaign to educate the public on the dangers of heat-related illnesses, and how to spot early warning signs before they become an emergency.  It is advice that will come in a handy over at least the next six days as highs are expected to stay above 100 degrees through at least Sunday
According to a release from the California Department of Public Health, seniors are the most likely to be affected by excessive heat, but anybody can succumb to high temperatures given enough exposure – sweating usually provides the cooling necessary for the body, but when it gets hot enough, sweating isn’t enough.
If left unchecked, excessive heat can raise internal body temperatures to a point that will damage vital internal organs and the brain, and a variety of factors play into the body’s ability to regulate body temperature – old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and drug and alcohol abuse.
And sometimes water isn’t enough to replace what’s being lost.
In addition to staying hydrated, replacing salt and minerals which can be lost during bouts of heavy sweating becomes paramount, according to the release. It can be achieved through consumption of things like sports drinks and fruit juice to replace necessary sugars and sodium that are lost during the body’s natural cooling cycle.
Warning signs of heat-related illnesses vary depending on whether it’s heat exhaustion or heat stroke – the latter of which can be deadly. Heavy sweating, weakness, skin that is cold, pale and clammy, a weak pulse and fainting and vomiting are all signs of heat exhaustion. Those experiencing any of those symptoms should move to a cooler location, lie down and loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to the body and sip water. If vomiting continues, according to the release, medical attention should be sought.
Heat stroke, however, is much more serious and can lead to brain damage or death if left untreated – evident by core body temperatures above 103 degrees, hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse or possible unconsciousness. If somebody is found to be experiencing those symptoms, they should be moved to cooler temperatures and 911 should be contacted immediately. Fluids should not be given to somebody experiencing heat stroke.
The Manteca Community Emergency Response Team is currently tasked with executing door-to-door wellness checks on the senior community during heat waves like the current one, and if the temperature rises above 104 degrees – based on the information from the National Weather Service – the group will open a cooling center at the Manteca Senior Center open to the public.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.