Summer is here and as hotter days become more and more frequent, it is important to protect yourself, and your furry friends, from the heat.
“Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat related illnesses, ranging from heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Jaime Currier, clinical director for the emergency department at Heywood Hospital.
To keep cool during the summer, Currier suggests altering patterns for outdoor exercise to cooler times during the day, such as early morning or later in the evening. If unable to do so, she said decreasing the amount of exercise or even walking instead of running, can prevent overheating.
Roxanne Dunn, director of emergency services at Heywood Hospital, said to stay away from drinks like alcohol and ones with caffeine, which can cause dehydration.
Keeping a spray bottle full of water in a refrigerator to use when heading outside can also help to stay cool, said Currier. It is also important to increase fluid intake during hot days as well.
“Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should definitely increase your fluid intake and not wait just to have a sip of water when you are feeling thirsty,” said Dunn.
During hot days people 65 and older, children younger than 2 and people who have chronic or mental illnesses, are at a higher risk for heat related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also suggests wearing and reapplying sunscreen when outdoors, along with wearing loose fitting, light-colored clothing. If possible, stay in air-conditioned spaces.
Taking cool showers or baths, and using a fan if air-conditioning is not available, can also prevent heat related illnesses, said Currier.
Animals also are susceptible to overheating during those hot days. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests checking to make sure pets have plenty of fresh and clean water when the temperature is hot or humid outdoors. The symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, an increase in heart and respiratory rate, drooling and mild weakness. Seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit can also be caused by overheating.
When taking pets outside, have a shady place for them to escape the sun and when the temperature is high, do not let pets linger on hot asphalt — this can cause the animal’s body to heat up quickly. During hot days, keep walks to a minimum, suggests the ASPCA.
Pugs and Persian cats, or other animals with flat faces, are more susceptible to heat stroke, as they cannot pant as effectively as other animals, according to ASPCA. When shopping or traveling around town, never leave animals in a parked vehicle.
Though Currier said the hospital has not yet this season seen patients in the emergency room due to heat related illnesses, hot days will become more frequent and it is essential to protect oneself from the heat.
“Use common sense, if the heat is intolerable, stay inside, try to avoid activities in the sun and stay in the shade,” she said.