Lewis County Sirens.com

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

By now, most everyone is probably giddy with the knowledge the temperatures may get up into the mid-90s over the next few days across Western Washington.

However, the Red Cross and the National Weather Service are reminding folks that kind of heat can cause health problems. It’s especially potentially dangerous to the very young and very old, the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter says. And animals.

Dress lightly, drink lots of fluid and never leave a pet in a car, even for a few minutes, the Red Cross said in a news release this morning.

For more ways to avoid heat-related illnesses, read the Red Cross tips.

PREVENT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
• Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
• Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
• If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

• Don’t forget to protect your pets.
• Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
• Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

• Never leave a pet in a car – even for a few minutes.

• Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, which is deadly for pets. Symptoms include sluggish and non-responsive demeanor, bright red and/or dry tongue and gums, vomiting or diarrhea and/or unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate.  If your pet displays these symptoms, get emergency medical attention.
Source: American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter

(Hey readers, I tried something new here. So, if the words or layout of the second half of this post appear messed up on your computer screen, would you let me know? Thanks, -Sharyn Decker)

Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 at 12:54 pm and is filed under News briefs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.