Heat dangers
By ERIN ESMONT
For Smart
During the dog days of summer, everyone — kids, seniors, pets (even farm animals!) — are at risk for heat exhaustion if they spend a lot of time in the muggy outdoors.
When the temperature rises, so too does Dan McFarland’s volume of telephone calls.
As the regional agricultural engineer for the Penn State York Cooperative
Extension, McFarland works with farmers on ventilation issues.
In warmer months, the most frequent question on dairy farmers’ minds is how to keep the cows cool. Overheated cows tend to eat less, produce fewer pounds of milk and reproduce less frequently.
“It’s a stress to them,” he said.
So McFarland helps to make sure the 9,400 dairy cows in York County keep producing 184 million pounds of milk per year.
In some cases, farmers use a timed shower spray for two minutes every 10 minutes. Water droplets penetrate the cows’ skin to bring down their body temperature. Using evaporation methods further cools the air around the cow, he said.
His advice to farmers pretty much mirrors the guidelines laid out for humans and household pets: Seek shady areas, drink plenty of water and make sure the home (or barn) has a cooling system that either supplies cool air and/or pulls out the hot air.
During the summer, everyone from agricultural engineers to the Area Agency on Aging to health agencies to veterinarians are promoting ways to stay cool and beat the heat.
Heat exhaustion is the No. 1 heat-related ailment among people and pets. Symptoms include heavy perspiration; cold, clammy skin; dizziness; fainting; and vomiting.
With the elderly being among the most vulnerable, several senior centers started staying open an hour longer to provide more air-conditioned relief.
Heather Goebeler, director of the Red Lion Area Senior Center, said that some
seniors on fixed incomes try to save money by turning down or turning off the air conditioner at times when they need it the most, making them more vulnerable.
Senior centers also bring in speakers, such as nurses, or play a video at this time of year to raise awareness about heat-
related illnesses, Goebeler said.
Dan Miller of the Pennsylvania Department of Health said his agency’s public-service announcements about heat exhaustion are targeted to the very young; the elderly; those with mental illness (who may not always be mindful of weather changes); and those with health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease and respiratory ailments.
High temperatures affect the body’s circulatory and respiratory systems.
People aren’t the only ones done in by the heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be just as deadly to pets.
Last year, a bulldog was left outside too long and it collapsed and died, said Treanne Kidd, a veterinary technician at Shrewsbury Veterinary Clinic.
Overall, pet owners should watch for heavy panting, bright-red gums, the animal resting on one side and extreme fatigue as warning signs, she said.
Tips for childrenChildren are especially vulnerable on hot days because their bodies absorb more heat than adults do. What’s more, they are less likely to complain about being too warm. To protect your children, make sure they drink plenty of water before going outside and have water available to drink outdoors. Also, bring them indoors for 30- to 40- minute breaks throughout the day to cool down. Follow the rest of the tips under “Staying cool.”
Staying cool• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, sugar and alcohol as these beverages cause the body to lose fluids.
• Avoid long periods in direct sun or in unventilated rooms.
• Keep air conditioning or fans running.
• Avoid vigorous activity when it is hot and humid.
• Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat or other head covering when out in the sun.
• Wear sunscreen • Take frequent baths or showers and stay in a cool place.
Heat-related illness
Heat exhaustionSymptoms: Heavy sweating. Weakness. Skin may be cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
First aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke (sun stroke)Symptoms: Extremely high body temperature (106 degrees and above). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.
First aid: Heat stroke is a severe
medical emergency. Dial 911 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners.
Do not give fluids.
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