We had a nice spring while it lasted, but the dog days of summer came earlier than expected. June 2010 was the hottest month on record. As we wait out another day that will most likely reach the century mark with high humidity, I thought we should refresh our memories on things that we must keep in mind during these days.

Extremely high temperatures have a greater affect on the very old and the very young. So, for the elderly, it is extremely important that they have the ability to stay in a relatively cool environment. I would say air-conditioned environment, but some of the older crowd would say, “I don’t need air conditioning, that’s for softies.” If you find someone who needs air conditioning or fans, help them acquire what they need. On the other end of the spectrum, a young child’s ability to regulate temperature is hindered by extreme temperature differences.

Though we have not heard of any cases of children or pets dying recently after being left in a hot vehicle, we still need to be reminded. If the air temperature is 100 degrees, then the temperature in a non-running vehicle could reach 140+ degrees. You may say, “I was only going in to pick up one item.” Let me tell you how the one item thing goes. We forgot to pick up a bottle of barbecue sauce the other day. Our driver went in to get it, which was sitting right by the counter. He returned with barbecue sauce in hand about 10 minutes later. For a vehicle that was closed up on a 100 degree day, that could mean heat exhaustion, the beginning stages of heat stroke or unconsciousness due to heat stroke for any child or pet left behind.

Another thing to keep in mind is that hydration needs to occur before the heat taxes your body. There is no way that you can replenish enough fluid if you were dehydrated to start with. You must also drink the right fluids. Water is best, and then you can consider fluids that boost your electrolytes. Whatever the case, you must start days before the heat begins, preparing your body for what lies ahead.

Some signs and symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion are as follows:

• Severe cramping of muscles (Though legs and arms are the common places, the cramping can occur in any muscle.)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and extreme fatigue
• Dizziness

As heat exhaustion transitions to a deadly phenomenon known as heat stroke, the following occur:

• The cessation, or stopping, of sweating
• The skin becomes hot and turns cherry red
• The body temperature goes up, with no ability for the body to cool itself
• External cooling is an absolute necessity
• Basically, your body is cooking from the outside to the inside.

You must understand the dangers associated with extreme hot and cold environments. I don’t expect you to know how to treat these things, but prevention and recognition will go a long way toward you and your family not being injured or killed during these extremely hot days. Take care and stay cool!