Heatstroke surge feared as people save power (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

Young having fun: Children bathe in a swimming pool at a Tokyo hotel on July 2. KYODO PHOTO

Kyodo

As the mercury rises to levels unseen in decades and amid the nationwide power-saving drive, health experts are warning the public of the risk of heatstroke if they refrain too much from using air conditioning.

The elderly, people with illnesses and small children are particularly susceptible, the experts said, adding that while raising the temperature setting in refrigerators saves power, it increases the risk of food poisoning.

While the government has asked the public to set air conditioners to 28 degrees, "it would make the actual temperature inside reach 30, too high for elderly people who are susceptible to dehydration," said Ritsuko Momose, chief of staff at a home for the elderly in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.

Momose sets the temperature at the Nanyo-en nursing home, which takes care of around 250 elderly people including some who are bedridden, at around 26 degrees.

VIDEO:http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/90812.php

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**kids are cute in the video..

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. Just looking at that pic I can taste the chlorine and hear the

sharp echoes of splashing water and tile.

distressing story, but fun pic.

[AsahinaKimi]

2. I remember going to a public pool as a kid...

I really miss those days.. and learning how to swim. I wish I had a pool near bye. Once remember flying over Los Angeles County and seeing all those pools in the bark yard of many houses. Here in San Francisco, I have hardly ever seen a back yard pool. I wish I could go swimming again!