Take Precautions Against the Heat

Oh my, we are beginning to see temperatures in the mid to high 90s and that means it is hot in Georgia.
It’s been warm, the other day I bought a loaf of bread and by the time I got it home it was toast.
Okay, I won’t keep boring you with the hot weather jokes that are stupid. We know how weather is in the south, you can tell how hot it is when you pass a person and you smell the aroma of fried meat. That means it’s too hot to cook.
We understand hot weather in the south and we know there are four seasons each year, there is tolerable, hot, really hot and then there is “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME HOT.”
In the south we love warm weather because those are the days when we can drink sweet tea or lemonade and not feel guilty about it. Unfortunately, most of the time we have to drink it hot because the ice melts before you can get it in the glass.
It’s been so hot lately, that if I owned a waterbed I would probably fill it with ice each night before attempting to lie on it.
Seriously, though, the hot weather is no joke. It can be dangerous, not only to humans, but pets as well.
When the days are hot it is important to know how to avoid heat-related injuries.
The first step is in what we wear. In hot temperatures be sure to choose lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to help remain as cool as possible.
It is important to stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. If you do not have air conditioning in your home visit a place, like a library or a store that does. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body to stay cooler and avoid becoming over heated.
Remember that even though electric fans may provide some comfort, when the temperature is in the 90s, they can’t help prevent heat-related illness.
Plan all outdoor activities, such as lawn care, gardening, etc. at time when temperatures are cooler, like morning or evening hours. Even when the temperature is a little cooler, be sure to rest often in a shady area to allow our body to recover a little.
If you exercise, are working outdoors, or doing chores inside your home, pace yourself. If you feel you heart pounding and if you begin to gasp for breath, stop immediately and cool down.
Wear sunscreen when outdoors. When you become sunburned, it affects the body’s ability to cool down, can leave you dehydrated and even cause serious heat-related illness. Normally, a SPF 15 or higher will do provided you apply it about 30 minutes before going into the sun.
It is important to stay hydrated in the heat. So drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you get thirsty to drink.
It’s important to avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages in the heat because sugar and alcohol make you loose body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks as well, because that can cause stomach cramps.
Be sure to check for weather updates as often as possible.
Do not leave anyone, especially children and pets, in a vehicle. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise as much as 19 degrees in just a few minutes.
It is also important to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. If you have the following symptoms or recognize that someone is suffering from the symptoms, call 911 immediately.
The signs of heat stroke include: a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher. The person’s skin will be hot, turn red, feel dry or damp. Their pulse will be fast or very strong and the person could suffer from symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and even pass out.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar and include: heaving sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache and could pass out.
The symptoms of heat cramps include: heavy sweating during exercise, too much activity, etc. and muscle cramps or spasms.
Of course, don’t forget there is always that nasty sunburn and heat rash to watch out for.
It is important to take precautions against the hot weather. Don’t believe that old southern saying, “It’s not hot in the South, we just have a lot of humidity.” I always respond to someone saying that with, “I got it. The humidity is awful, now shut up and bring me another glass of cold sweet tea?”
The heat is just one of the things we learn to deal with in the South. Thank goodness we have fried foods, sweet tea and weather that changes every five minutes. So don’t worry it might cool off for a minute.