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