Summer Heat- How to Keep Cool and Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses for Both Humans and Pets

For most people in the United States, summer is the time for outdoor fun, vacations, and yard work. However, one of the problems with summer is staying cool. In many states temperatures are often in the 90s or higher. It is very important to make sure that you stay cool enough to avoid common heat-related health problems.

Perspiration is the body's natural way to stay cool, but prolonged exposure to high temperature and humidity can overtax this system. The most vulnerable people are children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Pets and other animals are also susceptible to overheating and should be checked on regularly.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat rash is a mild rash often seen in children where heat and moisture irritate the skin. Try to keep the child in a cool environment and use baby powder to dry and sooth the skin.

Heat cramps and exhaustion occurs when the body is just starting to overheat, normally due to exertion in high temperatures and humidity. Pain in the legs and stomach may occur along with problems breathing, nausea, dizziness, headache, and exhaustion. The person affected should be moved to a cooler environment given a glass of cool water approximately every 15 minutes.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body temperature has exceeded 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include a change in consciousness, shallow breathing, shock, red and dry skin, and a rapid pulse. If a person is in this state then emergency medical care should be called. The person should be moved to the coolest environment available and their body temperature reduced as much as possible with water and ice.

Ways to Stay Cool- Home

The best way to stay cool during a hot day is to stay inside an air-conditioned environment. If your home does not have air-conditioning try to spend the hottest part of the day at a friend or family member's air-conditioned home or go to a mall, stores, or restaurants that are air-conditioned. Ceiling and box fans help to keep air circulating and basements are often up to 10 degrees cooler than upper floors in a building. During the day, try to keep blinds closed, do not use stoves or other appliances that put out heat, and turn off as many lights as possible.

Ways to Stay Cool- Outside

The most important thing to do to keep cool in the summer is to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Garden or do heavy labor in the early mornings or evenings. If you have to work outside try and work with another person since heat -related illness may occur suddenly. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day whether you are thirsty or not. Eat small, low-protein meals and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating to the body. It is important to use and replace sun block frequently and to wear lightweight clothes in light colors.

Playing in water is one of the best ways to stay cool in the heat, but make sure to supervise children and animals when they are near or playing in pools and lakes. Summer is also a good time of year to take a trip to a cooler climate, visit water parks, tour national parks with cave systems, and see air-conditioned museums.

Pets

It is important to remember that pets often suffer as much as humans in hot weather. If you have a longhaired animal it may be a good idea to have the animals trimmed during the summer. Make sure to put out plenty of water and even a small wading pool. If you leave animals outside make sure that they can rest in a shaded area. It is also very important that you never leave a pet (or child) in any vehicle during the summer. The temperature inside a car or truck can rise quickly and dramatically even with the windows down.

Using these tips and some common sense should allow you to enjoy the summer months without suffering from the heat.