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Hot Heat & Tips
Again the heat index is going to be over 100...110 to be exact. We decided to stay home yesterday as Boo wanted to run through the sprinkler.
This heat has turned our neighborhood into a ghost town. There are no kids outside playing, no people walking up and down the streets. It's hot and quiet.
The heat is also taking its toll on our county fairs. We went Saturday and left because it was hard to enjoy in the heat. The next county over is having their 4H fair this week and there are already reports of a few of the smaller animals who died from the heat.
Our dog has been enjoying the ice cubes we have been putting in his water bowl, and he has been sleeping near the fan or in one of the bathrooms on the ceramic tiles.
Boo and I are getting ready to go into town and browse some air conditioned stores (first stop...Goodwill!  ) and then we will spend the afternoon at the library. I was kinda tossing around the idea of going down into the city as there is much better shopping there as well as outstanding library that specializes in geneology. But I'm tired and unmotivated so I think we will stick close to home.
I searched the internet and found some tips for avoiding heat-related problems:
• According to NOAA scientists, a Mean Heat Index above 85 degrees can be dangerous, making it necessary to watch out for such heat-stress symptoms as dizziness, excessive weakness, headaches, heavy perspiration, high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, loss of
consciousness, muscle cramps, nausea, pale and clammy skin (sometimes skin that is red and dry), rapid pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and severe mental changes.
• The young, the elderly, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to heat illnesses. Also, because men sweat more than women, they are more likely to become dehydrated.
• Whenever possible in cases of extreme heat, stay in an air-conditioned area. If you lack air conditioning, go to the basement (or lowest possible floor) of your home. In your house, keep the curtains closed, the windows slightly open, and the electric lights off. Take cool baths or showers and use cool towels. If that doesn't work, visit the library, the mall, or any nearby public building, all of which are air conditioned and available as cooling centers during extremely hot weather.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car when it's hot outside. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly in a matter of minutes and result in brain damage or death. If pets have to be outdoors, provide them with plenty of water while making sure they have somewhere they can go to hide from the hot weather. Remember that a hot pavement can result in burned paws.
• When the weather's hot, don't wear a lot of clothing. The clothes you wear should be light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting and made of cotton whenever possible. When outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher, use lip balm, and wear a hat. The sunglasses you wear should have an ANSI rating of 99 percent and 98 percent UVA protection.
• During very hot weather, drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of cool fluids (such as water, fruit juices, and fruit-flavored drinks) even if you're not thirsty. If you're exercising in hot weather, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids per hour. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you. And remember: when the heat is excessive, salt tablets are not a proper substitute for fluids.
• During heat waves, eat small meals and eat more often. If it's too hot outside, do not eat a lot of food high in protein, which increases metabolic heat. Avoid using cooking ovens.
• When the weather is extremely hot, conduct all outdoor activities during the coolest times of the day (that is, before ten in the morning and after three in the afternoon). If you are outside and must engage in activities that are physically strenuous, rest often in the shade.
• Use a buddy system: check up on any neighbors that may need help, and have them check up on you.
• As always, in case of an emergency, call 911.
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