Lower temps can still be dangerous to humans, pets
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Much of Kansas and the Midwest is getting a little break from the triple-digit heat the region experienced in mid-June, but Kansas State University climatologist Mary Knapp says don’t be fooled by the lower temperatures.
“It doesn’t have be 95 or 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) outside to cause problems with heat-related illnesses,” Knapp said.
She described three signs of heat-related illness, often called The Heat Trilogy:
• Heat cramps. This is the mildest form of heat stress, and is often characterized by tightness in the muscles. To negate the effects, move to a cooler spot and drink more liquids – usually water or an electrolyte drink.
• Heat stress. This is a precursor to heat stroke. An individual may start feeling nauseous, headaches, warmer body temperatures and dizziness. Move to a cooler spot, drink cold water and use cool cloths to bring the body’s temperature down. If the individual’s condition is not improving, seek medical help.
• Heat stroke. This occurs when the body’s cooling system has completely shut down, often witnessed when the person stops sweating. The individual may have red or flushed skin. Call 9-1-1 immediately, or take the individual to a hospital.
“Keep in mind that your body will react differently depending on your age,” Knapp said. “Younger children and older adults are more likely to face negative complications from the heat than somebody in middle age.”
“And,” she added, “the medications you’re taking can also affect the ability of your body to regulate its temperature. If you’re taking an antihistamine or some other medication, check with your doctor on the impact that may have on your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. That’s really where the problem comes in with heat stress.”
People of all ages can benefit from keeping indoor spaces cooler, Knapp said. That includes opening windows and running ceiling fans at night when the air outdoors is relatively cooler.
“You want to make sure you have windows open when you’re moving air with fans so that you’re exchanging air, otherwise you’re basically setting up a convection oven; you’re moving air around, but you’re not cooling anything down,” Knapp said.
A 1980s study during a major heat wave in Chicago found that people who ran fans indoors but didn’t open windows actually heated up faster than they would have otherwise, she noted.
“If you’re dependent on a fan to cool your home, turn it in a direction to blow air out during the hot part of the day, and then turn it around to blow air in at night,” Knapp said. “There are also some window fans that have the capacity to switch the direction the blades are flowing during the different parts of the day.”
Knapp urged all to be particularly cognizant of children and older adults during hotter weather. “They may not be able to articulate what is causing a problem. Sometimes it manifests itself as cranky behavior. Keep them hydrated. They may not know that they are thirsty in order to ask for water. Water or an electrolyte drink is best (because) you don’t have the complications with sugar that you might by drinking juice.”
When planning outdoor activities – such as gardening, mowing the lawn or even having a picnic – start hydrating by at least the night before. “Wear a hat and sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Sunburn can also have a negative impact on the body’s ability to cool itself down.” Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is at its highest angle.
And, she said, resist leaving people and pets in cars. Even during cooler days, it doesn’t take long for a vehicle to become dangerous.
For updated information, visit the Kansas Mesonet page maintained by Kansas State University. The site includes an animal comfort index that is useful for agricultural producers, as well as a heat index page that lists current temperatures, humidity, heat index and wind speeds for all areas of the state.
FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
Kansas Mesonet, https://mesonet.k-state.edu
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Mary Knapp
785-532-7019
[email protected]
