THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 1996 TAG: 9605210537
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAT DOOLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 122 lines
When the heat is on, adults know how to keep cool.
But smaller bodies in their care - infants, young children and pets - often need special attention.
Children and infants should not be in prolonged heat or sun, whether on the beach, on the back of a bicycle or in a closed car, said Dr. Wassam Rahman, medical director of pediatric medicine at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk. Children become dehydrated more quickly than do adults.
``Hydration is important,'' said Rahman. Before children play outdoors, be sure they drink plenty of water or a beverage with carbohydrates, such as a sports drink, he said. Avoid serving caffeinated beverages, like cola, which deplete the body's fluids.
Despite soaring temperatures, local emergency-room staff said they had not treated anyone for heat-related illness as of late Monday afternoon. However, with a forecast of more scorching heat, some said they anticipate problems later.
Coming out of a long, hard winter, Rahman said, ``everyone wants to get a suntan overnight.''
But even athletes take about two weeks to adapt to hot weather, Rahman said.
A child has more difficulty adjusting to high temperature than the average adult, partly because children do not sweat as efficiently as adults, Rahman said. Nor do infants have the verbal skills to express signs of danger - from dizziness, headache and fatigue to fever and nausea.
Avoid letting children stay out in peak sun and heat, from about noon to 3 p.m., when potential problems are most likely to develop, Rahman said. To minimize skin damage and cancer risk, slather children in sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
Dr. Lewis Siegel, emergency physician at Chesapeake General Hospital, said moderation is key. Make sure children get breaks from outdoor activities, along with a lot of fluids. ``Never leave them without ventilation,'' he said. ``Never leave them in a parked car.''
One local veterinary hospital experienced its first heat-related illness of the season.
At Strawbridge Animal Hospital in Virginia Beach, a 13-year-old German shepherd was ``unable to stand'' when its owner carried it in for care, said Dr. Kimberly Mayo, a veterinarian at the hospital. The dog was treated for heat stroke.
Older dogs and puppies are most susceptible to problems in hot weather, Mayo says. Dogs sweat through their tongues and foot pads only. Long-haired or thick-haired dogs also are at high risk.
``If they're going to be outside, they need adequate shade,'' Mayo said. Do not let pets play or lie in the sun in excessive heat for more than 20 minutes, she says. Hang a tarp, provide a ventilated doghouse and plenty of cool, clean water, or keep pets indoors.
Walk or run dogs in early morning or late in the day. Limit exposure at the beach - the shade of an umbrella or chair is not enough, she said. Do not let dogs drink salt water, which exacerbates dehydration.
Signs of heat stroke in pets include excessive panting, restlessness, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhea and seizure.
``A normal pant is a nice, relaxed pant,'' she said. ``Look at their gums. They should be pink, like bubble gum.''
If a dog or cat shows signs of heat illness, wrap them in cool, damp towels. ``Don't immediately dunk them in cold water,'' Mayo said. The pet should respond within 20 minutes; otherwise, consult a veterinarian. ILLUSTRATION: Graphics
HEAT WARNING SIGNS
Heat-related problems in adults and children develop gradually.
In the later stages, however, symptoms can be life-threatening.
Some warning signs:
Heat fatigue. Symptoms may include fatigue, headache, lethargy,
poor appetite, heavy sweating, rapid pulse, shallow breathing. The
remedy is rest in a cool, dry place, and plenty of fluids. Avoid
caffeine and alcohol.
Heat cramps. Excessive physical activity can cause sudden pain in
the abdomen or extremities, even in people who are ``in shape.''
Rest in a cool place, and drink plenty of fluids.
Heat exhaustion. Prolonged heat and overexertion can cause
excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, faintness or vomiting. Body
temperature may be high. The skin may be pale, cold or clammy. Rest
in a cool place. Sponge the body with tepid water. Drink liquids but
avoid ice water, caffeine and alcohol.
Heat stroke. Most common in the elderly, this life-threatening
condition is caused by overexertion in extreme heat. The person may
stop sweating and feel feverish. Body temperature soars, pulse is
rapid, skin first appears flushed, then ashen. The person may lose
consciousness. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
The stages are not distinct. If you are in doubt, see a doctor or
go to the emergency room.
Sources: Dr. Wassam Rahman, medical director of pediatric
emergency medicine at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters,
Norfolk. Jane Brody's ``New York Times Guide to Personal Health''
(Avon, 1982).
PLANT CARE
If you aren't ready for the heat, pity the plants in your garden
and flowerpots.
Because of the cold spring, they've not been able to send down
deep roots to slowly prepare for hot weather. You probably saw many
of them wilting in Monday's noon sun.
Some suggestions to help them perk up:
Water newly planted annual flowers, perennials, vegetables, trees
and shrubs daily. Flowers and vegetables may require twice-a-day
watering, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Shrubs, trees and perennials that have been in the ground a year
or more should be watered every other day with one inch of water.
Let it soak in slowly around the roots or do overhead watering for
at least one hour.
Hanging baskets, container pots and window boxes will require
watering in morning and evening. Water until the water drips out the
bottom of the container.
Twice daily watering is best for any pots or flats of plants yet
to be put in the ground. Keep them in the shade.
Do not water in the middle of the day when water rapidly
evaporates. The noonday sun could even scald the plant through
water on its leaves.
- Robert Stiffler, garden columnist
by CNB