Experts Available to Discuss Extreme Heat in Parts of United States.

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TOPIC: Extreme temperatures have affected power consumption in many states, according to an article by The Associated Press. The National Weather Service forecasts the Northeast could cool off due to showers and thunderstorms. However, the heat is expected to continue in the southern Plains until the end of the week. Some state officials are encouraging people to reduce energy consumption by adjusting thermostats and turning off nonessential lights. Last week, the federal government reported January through June of 2006 was the warmest period since 1895 in the United States.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Currently overseeing the development and distribution of weather content and news featured in all WeatherBug products, Mark Hoekzema earned a degree in Physical Science with concentrations in Math, Meteorology and Computer Science from the University of Maryland. He then completed his master's course studies while working at WRC-TV, the NBC station in Washington D.C. In 2000, after nearly 15 years in broadcasting, Hoekzema came to WeatherBug, as a product manager and Chief Meteorologist. One WeatherBug highlight was heading up the WeatherBug Storm Chaser team. In 2001, he had the opportunity to experience the landfall of Hurricane Gordon as it came ashore in the Big Bend area of Florida. Recently, Hoekzema lead a team on a Storm Chase in 2004 and 2005 and has tracked and proved live coverage of hurricanes Fran, Isabel, Charley, Bonnie, Frances, Ivan, Cindy, Dennis and Emily.

Sharon Brangman is a geriatrician who can provide information on The American Geriatrics Society's hot weather safety tips for older adults. Hot weather is more likely to cause health problems in older adults than in younger ones. About 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity every year. And most of them are 50 or older. Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as younger ones. Just as important, older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water. Heart disease, diabetes and some other diseases that are common among older adults can make it even more likely that they'll have problems when it's hot. So can certain drugs, including water pills, allergy and sinus medications, and drugs for depression and nerve problems. Temperatures don't have to be that high to cause health problems in older adults --temperatures in the low 90s can be very dangerous for older people. Because older adults may not feel hot, even when it's dangerously warm, they and the people who care for them should check the temperature often during the summer. When temperatures hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit, caregivers should check on older adults, and older people. Older people should turn on the air conditioner or go where it's air-conditioned. They shouldn't walk long distances, lift heavy objects, or do other strenuous things. They should drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don't contain alcohol or caffeine. It's important to recognize when hot weather is making you sick, and to get help. Here's a list of health problems caused by heat, and what you need to know about them: Dehydration is a loss of water in your body and can be deadly. Warning signs include, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out. What to do: Call your doctor or 911. Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and, if possible, sports drinks such as Gatorade, which contain important salts called electrolytes that your body loses when you're dehydrated. Heat stroke is a very dangerous rise in your body temperature and can also be deadly. Warning signs include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and passing out. What to do: Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes, drink water or drinks such as Gatorade. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or use cold, wet compresses to help lower your body temperature. Heat exhaustion is an illness caused by too much heat and dehydration. Warning signs include heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. What to do: Without delay, move to a cool, shady place, and drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water, or drinks such as Gatorade. If you don't feel better fast, call 911. Heat syncope is fainting caused by high temperatures. Warning signs include dizziness or fainting. What to do: Lie down and put your feet up, and drink plenty of water and cool fluids such as Gatorade.

Michael Whitehead, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. NAVY (retired) is the Principle Energy Meteorologist/Consultant for AWS WeatherBug and the first to assume this new role within Professional Services. Prior to joining WeatherBug, Whitehead spent six years as Chief Meteorologist for a renowned Fortune 500 energy firm on the commodities trading floor. Whitehead is uniquely qualified to comment on or forecast weather for the energy industry as he is the only industry meteorologist and spokesman with real-world experience on the energy trading floor. Whitehead's client roster reads like a Who's Who of the nation's top energy traders and marketers. His extensive portfolio of customized short- and long-term weather forecast products and services showcases his proven track record for unsurpassed precision, accuracy and reliability. With his collective experience and expertise, Whitehead leverages WeatherBug live neighborhood-level technology and data to consistently deliver forecasts and reports far in advance of his colleagues with quantifiable results and proven ROI. During his professional career, Whitehead forecast North American temperatures and provided Hurricane preparedness services and tailored operational forecasts for electrical power generation assets in Jamaica, Grand Bahama and the Philippines. Before joining the energy market, Whitehead completed a 23-year Navy career in worldwide Operational Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) support. His assignments included duty on three aircraft carriers and the tropical forecasting challenge as the Meteorologist in Charge and Hurricane Preparedness Officer of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Detachment. Whitehead earned his MS in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and his BS in Geography and Meteorology from the University of the State of New York in Albany. He graduated with honors from the U.S. Navy/U.S. Air Force Analyst and Weather Forecasting School and the National Weather Service's Next Generation Radar Training.

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