Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2018

HEALTHY LIVING sweltering Tips for Beatin’ the
story by Susan Ruddiman
Once you step outdoors on the Coast during the summer months, there is no avoiding the hot temperatures that are enhanced with high humidity. The combination of the two can result in an emergency if you’re not careful.
PROTECTING PETS IN HOT WEATHER
• Offer an ice pack or wet towel to lay on.
• Add ice cubes to the water dish.
• Offer access to a wading pool with shallow, cool water.
• Offer access to cool shade by stringing up a tarp, cloth, or use a shade screen.
• Bring a collapsible water dish on your walks.
• Replace a portion of their regular diet with canned food.
• Avoid walking on hot pavement, and consider booties to insulate their toes.
• Early morning or evening playtimes, exercise, and walks are best.
• Give your dog some homemade frozen treats. Source: rover.com
“A lot of times, we see heat emergencies happening when people are just gardening, mowing the grass or walking their dog,” said Frank Duke, a critical
care paramedic and operations coordinator for Acadian Ambulance Service in Jackson County.
When hot in a lower humidity climate, a person’s body is designed to utilize the evaporating sweat to cool off his body, keeping the skin dry. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the sweat cannot evaporate, thus it stays on the body, making a person feel more damp and uncomfortable. In addition, veins are designed to enlarge and come closer to the skin to get the air flow in the heat, Duke said.
“People usually see their veins poking out, and that allows the blood to flow closer to the skin.
It works well on people who are already physically fit. But for those who are elderly, pregnant or on certain medications, the body loses its ability to protect itself against the heat,” he said.
Jesse Grizzard of Ocean Springs
has made adjustments to his exercise schedule as he’s gotten older. A runner for 30 years, he now walks for about 90 minutes each day. “I walk early in the morning where there’s no heat from the cars. If you can’t walk as early, then walk on a shady street or go out near sundown,” he said.
He has found clothing made
of cotton feels better, a bandana helps soak up the sweat and battle buzzing insects, and going with an exercise partner works for his routine.
Capt. Steve Perrigin of Strictly Fishin’ Charters has spent 20 years as a charter boat owner. He prefers to leave early in the morning and keeps his in-shore charters to half days. “I find you need to wear lots of sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and drink lots of fluids, but not alcohol — that will wear you out quickly,” he said.
Duke suggested people rehydrate by alternating between water and Gatorade. “If you ever have heat issues, go to the shade, go inside and just get to some place cooler,” he said.
94 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2018
Tips