Drought May Hike Lehigh Valley Food Prices

Get ready to pay more for groceries as drought ravages crops across half of the United States

  A "worst-in-a-generation" drought across half the United States could drive food prices to record levels as crops across half the country are ravaged, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. "It might be a $50 billion event for the economy as it blends into everything over the next four quarters," Michael Swanson, agricultural economist at Wells Fargo & Co. in Minneapolis, the biggest commercial agriculture lender, told Bloomberg. "Instead of retreating from record highs, food prices will advance." The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared July 11 that more than 1,000 counties in 26 states are natural-disaster areas - the biggest such declaration ever.  How will you cope with higher food prices? Tell us in the comments section below. As …

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Chris

4:27 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012

Man i hate todays gas i try to start my quad up anymore it takes like 20 minutes to start cause of the ethanol that's in the fuel and all other stuff they put in it   more ›

Couple Killed by Heat Not Neglected, Son Says

A Lehigh County husband and wife who died of hyperthermia were visited by family and caregivers

Couple Killed by Heat Not Neglected, Son Says

A Lehigh County husband and wife who died of hyperthermia were visited by family and caregivers

A local couple who died after the temperature in their home hit 100 degrees did have family and caregivers looking after them, according to a Morning Call report. Lillian Kuzmak, 91, was found dead in her home on Apple Road in Weisenberg Township near Fogelsville on July 9 by a home health care worker. Kuzmak's husband, Joseph, 90, died later at Lehigh Valley Hospital. The Kuzmak's Lehigh County home has air conditioning but it was not turned on. The couple's son says his parents were not obsessive about saving energy and that someone visited their home every day except Sunday, which is apparently when the heat wave took its toll.

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Mary Anne Looby

9:08 am on Monday, July 16, 2012

Well said Elsa, may they rest in peace.   more ›

Heat Kills Local Husband and Wife

Three heat-related deaths in Lehigh County include a couple from Weisenberg Township

The husband of a woman found dead in their house where the temperature was 100 degrees has now also died. This marks the third heat-related death in Lehigh County this week. Joseph Kuzmak, 90, of the 2200 Apple Road was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, according to Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim. Kuzmak's wife, Lillian, was found dead Monday in their home, which has an air conditioner that was turned off. Joseph Kuzmak was taken to the hospital Monday. Both deaths have been ruled accidents. An 86-year-old Allentown man died from hyperthermia on Saturday.

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Heather

6:43 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012

Often as people age, they lose the sense of feeling hot. They like being warm, but do not realize that they are in danger of overheating. My 87 yr old grandmother lives with my parents due to her blindness. My parents turn on her AC whether she thinks she needs it or not because they can feel when the house is getting too hot. As for your comment about this couple living alone, my grandmother …   more ›

Woman Found Dead in 100-Degree Heat

A 90-year-old Lehigh County woman was found dead in her home where the temperature was about 100 degrees Monday

The recent heat wave has claimed a second victim. Lillian Kuzmak, 90, of 2203 Apple Road in Weisenberg Township, was pronounced dead in her home on Monday morning. The Lehigh County coroner says she died of hyperthermia due to excessive heat. Kuzmak's death has been ruled an accident. Her home has air conditioning but it was not turned on. "The ambient air temperature in the household was approximately 100 degrees," according to a press release from the coroner's office. On Sunday, the coroner released information about an elderly Allentown man who died of heat stroke. This week's weather is expected to be more seasonal with highs in the low 80s and lows in the 60s.

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Heat Wave Killed Lehigh County Man

A Lehigh County man was found dead in his home as a result of excessive heat

A Lehigh County man has died as a result of a weeklong heat wave. Llan J. Gacel, 86, was found dead in his home at 835 Chew St. in Allentown on Saturday.  Deputy Coroner Craig Hanzl pronounced Gacel dead at 8:10 p.m. The coroner's office said Gacel died of hyperthermia "due to excessive heat."  Gacel had an air conditioner but it was not turned on. The temperature in his residence was higher than 90 degrees, according to a press release from the coroner's office. Temperatures matched a record high of 99 in Lehigh County on Saturday. 

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Nudist Resort is a Place to Cool Off

Too hot to wear clothing? Take a trip to Sunny Rest Resort.

If this summer's first extended heat wave has you feeling that it's too hot to wear clothes, you can head to Sunny Rest Resort - a clothing optional destination near Palmerton just north of Allentown. The resort, which dates back to 1945, offers a relaxed clothes-free atmosphere and "modern facilities for all ages, genders, classes, races and body types," according to its website. The resort sits on more than 190 acres of rolling hills and partially wooded grounds. Would you dare to get bare at Sunny Rest? Tell us in the comments section below. Guests are encouraged to dress or undress for comfort. Nudism is accepted throughout the resort - but required in the pools and spa.

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Heat Poses Health Risks

Beware of heat stroke and dehydration as summer temperatures climb

By Patient First Health Care Rising temperatures of summer mean more health risks as you work and play outside, especially for older people and young children Excessive heat exposure can cause several health problems including heat cramps, which are painful spasms of your arm, leg and/or abdomen muscles.  People experiencing these symptoms should rest in a cooler place and drink water or fluids containing electrolytes. Heat exhaustion symptoms include profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps.  Move this person to a cooler location, apply cool wet cloths to their body, and give them cool water to drink.  If the person vomits or refuses to drink, call 9-1-1.  Heat …

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With Heat Wave on the Way, Heat Safety Tips Offered

The Red Cross has provided the following tips to help local families stay safe in the extreme heat.

Forecasters are calling for temperatures to climb into the upper 90s over the next few days, and those temperatures--combined with high humidity--could prove dangerous for individuals who are unprepared, the American Red Cross of the Lehigh Valley said in a press release issued earlier this week. To help local residents stay safe, the Red Cross is advising adherence to the following safety tips: Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles--even for a few minutes. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day and avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Wear eye protection and apply sunscreen if you will be spending time outside. Remember to reapply …

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