Jennifer Green

Temperatures are reaching the 110's in Arizona. It is important to know when you have had too much heat exposure. Here are a few tips for knowing when to seek help.

When the temperature soars and humidity rises, it's time to take precautions to avoid dangerous health consequences such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and overexposure to the sun. With heat exhaustion and stroke, the most susceptible among us are seniors, children, and people with chronic illnesses. However, everyone is at risk.

The early symptoms of heat exhaustion can sneak up on us. Some people feel a bit lightheaded and weak and might have a touch of nausea. The serious problems develop when symptoms are ignored and additional fluids are not taken right away. The primary cause of heat exhaustion is dehydration and a loss of electrolytes such as sodium. Generally, try to stay well-hydrated and take in extra salt (for those of you who can use salt). Drink even though you don't feel like it - you can't count on your thirst mechanism to prompt you. Here are the major symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and some safety tips to help you cope with health emergencies during the dog days of summer.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Body temperature usually normal or only slightly elevated.
• Dry mouth. Fatigue, weakness. Dizziness. Headache.
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting.
  
• Weak and rapid pulse.
  
• Sweating. Cool, clammy, pale skin.

NOTE: Symptoms take time to develop - sometimes several hours after dehydration occurs.

Treatments for heat exhaustion:

• Get out of the sun and into a cool place.
• Drink more fluids (electrolyte sports drinks may help), but don't drink too fast or you could become nauseous.
  
• Eat salty snacks.
• Rest.
• Loosen clothing.
  

Be aware that heat stroke can come after heat exhaustion, but it can also develop quickly and independently if one's core body temperature rises too high. Symptoms of heat stroke include: Very high body temperature (103 degrees or higher). Hot, dry, red skin. No sweating. Disorientation, hallucinations, delirium Rapid breathing and fast pulse, then slow breathing and weak pulse. Convulsions. Loss of consciousness.

NOTE: Symptoms can come on quickly. Heat stroke can occur within 10 - 15 minutes of the first symptoms. If treatment is not given immediately, permanent damage can occur to internal organs.

DON'T WORRY THOUGH

We still have cool mountain get aways while the desert heat is on! There are plenty of ways to stay cool. Movies, malls, and pools are a few good ideas. I know I certainly enjoy my pool and cannot imagine a summer without it.

From a train stop for the hay capital of the world to a thriving bedroom community. Gilbert, Arizona has come a long way from its agricultral roots. I have been a long time resident and even graduated from the then only high school in Gilbert. Now there are 5 high schools. This little town has really grown.

One of the the things I love about Gilbert is Joe's Real BBQ. It is located in downtown area in a brick building built in 1929. The food is great and yearly Joe has a customer appreciation day. During this appreciation day Joe feeds EVERYONE that shows up until 8 pm for free! My family makes this a tradition. The lines are long but move quickly and it is a good time to visit with your fellow community members.

For more information about Joe's visit their website http://joesrealbbq.com/about/ or better yet go to Joe's.

Keeping your home clean doesn't need to be expensive or toxic. Here are some ideas for recipes to keep things clean without the expense or chemicals.

Tub, Tile, and Toilet

Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern.

BASIC TILE SPRAY

1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

DAILY SHOWER SPRAY

1/3 cup rubbing alcohol

1 cup water

Mix in a spray bottle and shake. Spray on, no rinsing required.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANER

1/2 cup of baking soda

1/3 cup of ammonia

1/4 cup of white vinegar

7 cups of water

Combine all the ingredients in a labeled spray bottle and shake well to mix. Spray on then wipe off with a damp sponge. Do not use with bleach with this mixture!!

1 cup vinegar

1/2 cup baking soda

Pour the vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let sit 30 minutes. Use a toilet brush and dip it into the toilet. Take it out, and sprinkle some baking soda onto the brush. Scour the inside of the toilet with the brush repeating the sprinkle procedure until the baking soda is gone…..voila! Clean toilet! This does not take the place of a disinfectant, so if you feel better spraying with a disinfectant after polishing the bowl, feel free.

Carpet Cleaners

MAGIC SPRAY CLEANER (for surfaces other than varnish, aluminum or asphalt tile)

1/4 cup ammonia

1/8 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 quart water.

Pour into spray bottle and spot treat carpet stains by gently rubbing with a clean rag. Rinse with water after treatment. Allow to dry.

RUG SHAMPOO MIX

1/4 cup mild detergent or soap

1 pint of warm water

2 tablespoons vinegar

Whip into a stiff foam. First, vacuum the rug thoroughly. Apply the foam and scrub. Let dry, then vacuum again.

HEAVY DUTY CARPET CARE

Mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar.

Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Oven Cleaners

CLEANER #1

1t Liquid dish soap

1t Lemon juice

1-1/2t Bleach

1qt. Warm water

Mix all ingredients in cleaning bucket or bowl and apply solution (with a sponge) to the oven's cavity. Allow to sit for 45-minutes and then scrub clean. Rinse well!

AMMONIA

1c ammonia

Pour ammonia into plastic bowl or dish (which can be easily disposed of). Place ammonia inside oven, without heat, and close door. Allow to sit overnight. Remove container and wipe away stubborn stains. (Ammonia may be reused, if stored properly.)

TRIED AND TRUE VINEGAR RECIPE

6T Baking soda

4-5 drops hand soap or liquid dish soap

5T White vinegar

Mix above ingredients until they form a thick paste. Apply paste to inside of oven and scrub with sponge. Wipe clean and rinse thoroughly.

CITRUS and SALT CLEANSER

Use equal amounts of lemon juice and salt.

Apply paste to stubborn stains and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. Scrub with brush and wipe clean.

NATURAL SCRUB CLEAN OVEN SOLUTION

4T Baking soda

4T Hot, steamy water

Make a paste with the above listed ingredients and apply it to the oven's cavity using an old toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush. Allow solution to sit for 1-minute. Scrub with brush until oven is clean. Rinse with water and sponge until no traces of baking soda remain.

TOUGH STAIN REMOVER

1c Salt

1c Baking soda

1c Water

It is really too bad that this happens but it is nice to be aware. The Arizona Department of Real Estate issued the following statement.

ATTORNEY GENERAL HORNE AND DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE WARN CONSUMERS OF POTENTIAL MLB ALL-STAR GAME HOME RENTAL SCAMS ANNOUNCE CEASE AND DESIST ORDER FOR UNLICENSED ACTIVITY PHOENIX (Thursday, June 16, 2011) -- Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and Judy Lowe, Commissioner of the Arizona Department of Real Estate are warning consumers to be on the alert against potential scams as the Major League Baseball All-Star Game approaches July 8-12. They are also announcing today that the Department issued an Order this week against Your Stay Accommodations, Sharaud Ramey and Joshua Bleechington (“Your Stay Accommodations”), for engaging in unlicensed real estate activity in Arizona in connection with the game. Horne stated, “Major events such as the All-Star Game attract thousands of people to Arizona. Unfortunately, that means the potential for consumer scams increases. I would urge people to be especially cautious of companies that promise they can rent your home for large rental fees during this or other major events. Some companies collect up-front fees from consumers for rentals that never pan out, and then deny requests for refunds. People need to be wary and only use known, reputable companies for these kinds of transactions.” Based in part on information provided by the Attorney General’s Office, the Commissioner’s Order issued yesterday finds that Your Stay Accommodations, operating out of Phoenix, offered to lease consumers’ homes to people attending the 2011 MLB All-Star event for an advance fee of approximately $1,495. Arizona law, however, requires individuals engaged in real estate activity for compensation to first obtain a license from the Real Estate Department. The individuals behind Your Stay Accommodations are not licensed. The Commissioner has ordered Your Stay Accommodations to immediately cease and desist from its rental activities. "Unlicensed real estate activity in Arizona must be stopped. This is an example of a practice that harms the public. The Arizona Department of Real Estate observes a 'Zero tolerance' for this type of activity," said Commissioner Lowe. Your Stay Accommodations has a right to request a hearing. Consumers can protect themselves against home rental scams by dealing only with reputable companies who have appropriate licenses. And always, beware of promises that sound too good to be true. If you feel you have been a victim of consumer fraud, or have been a victim of this particular home rental scam, please contact the Consumer Information & Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 / (520) 628-6504 / (800) 352-8431. You can also file a consumer complaint online at: www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html. A copy of the Cease & Desist Order is attached.

It is always awkward. Silent. Just plain uncomfortable when you have to tell a potential client the truth about their home value in this market. You can feel the emotion, even if they do not say anything. I have the opportunity to let another client know again that they are significantly underwater. I wish it could be different and I hope they know it is not fun news to deliver. I find it helps when I can voice my personal real estate whoas.