Quick & Simple Tips for Coping with Summer Heat!

According to the CDC, prevention is the best defense against heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips they offer:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar as these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

Outdoor Tips

If you must be out in the heat, be sure to:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

Pet Safety

• Limit exercise on hot days.
• Don't rely on a fan. 
• Provide ample shade and water.
• Cool your pets inside and out. 
• Watch for sings of heatstroke.
• Be aware of concrete and asphalt temperatures.
  • Concrete and asphalt temperatures are much warmer than the air temperature, that means when its 95 outside, the concrete temperature is 140 and the asphalt temperature is 155.
  • Know the 7 second rule: If you place your hand on the surface for 7 seconds and its too hot for your hand, then its too hot for your hound.