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Letter to the editor

As summer sizzles, plan to stay cool

Yes, it is hot and humid. But don't let the heat stress you or your pets.

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published August 11, 2007

As the summer's temperatures hit the 90s and high humidity makes it feel like a sauna, the Pinellas County Health Department and other health officials say you can do a lot to keep yourself and your pets safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those at greatest risk for heat-related illness are infants and children ages 4 and younger, adults 65 and older, people who are overweight and people who are ill or on certain medications.

Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Warning signs include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot and dry skin, absence of sweating, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Stay hydrated

When temperatures are extremely high, the CDC recommends avoiding hot foods and heavy meals because they add heat to your body.

Drink plenty of fluids and replace body salts and minerals, but don't take salt tablets unless under medical supervision. Limit sun exposure during midday hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches. Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, stay cool indoors, schedule outdoor activities carefully, monitor those at risk and adjust to the environment.

If you see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke, get them to a shady area. Cool the victim by quickly sponging with cool water, spraying with cool water from a garden hose, placing the person in a cool shower or immersing in a tub of cool water.

Get medical assistance as soon as possible. If emergency medical help is delayed, call a hospital emergency room for further instructions.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness and can develop after inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement or after several days of exposure to high temperatures.

Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. The skin may be cool and moist. Pulse rate will be fast and weak and breathing will be fast and shallow.

To cool the body during heat exhaustion, the CDC recommends drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, resting, taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath, finding an air-conditioned environment and wearing lightweight clothing.

Federal health officials also say the risk of heat-related illness rises for people using psychotropic drugs, which affect psychic function or behavior, medications for Parkinson's disease because they can inhibit perspiration, tranquilizers and diuretic medications that affect the body's fluid balance.

Keeping pets cool

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these tips keeping your pets from overheating, becoming dehydrated or getting a sunburn in Florida's extreme heat:

- Make sure your pet has fresh, cool water available at all times. Have a container of water ready when you are walking your pet, involved in other outside activities or just lounging outside.

- Never leave your pet alone in a car or truck during summer months. Vehicle interiors can quickly become death traps with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, even with windows open.

- Signs of overheating include heavy panting, dark pink or even reddish gums. The pet may also feel hot to the touch. If these conditions occur, it is an emergency that requires immediate care. Soak your pet with cool or cold water immediately and take it to the nearest veterinarian.

- Don't exercise your pets after a meal in hot, humid weather. Walk or exercise them in the cool of the early morning or evening.

- Never leave your pet standing on hot asphalt or sidewalks. The animal's body can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can be burned.

- If your pet gets a haircut during the summer, be sure it is not too short, or it can suffer from sunburn and overheating.

- Never take a pet to the beach unless you can provide shade and plenty of fresh water. Rinse the pet after he has been in salt water.

- Avoid walking your pet in areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Such chemicals can sicken or kill an animal.

Also be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause death. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4264-4357 if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 20:57:39]