Stay cool and enjoy the county fair.
By Alison Crane
When I was a child, the fair was a magical place that meant spending hours dreaming while hanging out in the horse barn and exploring the Hall of Industry. Even the name, Hall of Industry, made me feel almost as if I must be stepping onto another continent or going somewhere special. Yes, the fair was truly a magical place, and as a child I never noticed the heat. As an adult, the heat is a different story.
This year, the weather during the Garland County Fair, September 10-19, will potentially be hot… really hot. For many, that might be a deal breaker. Before you decide not to go, try these tips for staying cool:
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking alcohol or very sugary drinks
- Take breaks in the shade or inside an air-conditioned building
- Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat
- Drape a damp towel or bandana over the back of your neck
By taking a few precautions, the fair can still be a great family activity. Remember, if the sun is shining on you, it is easy to become overheated even on a moving ride. Small children riding in a stroller, even one with a shade, or being carried can build up heat and easily become overheated. Portable, battery-operated fans are useful for keeping air flowing around a stroller or baby carrier.
Also consider leaving your pets at home. Service dogs are allowed in public buildings, but not every place will be accessible to your pet, even if it serves as an emotional support animal. Fifi or Fido can quickly become heat-stressed and even end up with burnt paws from hot walkways.
Learn the signs of heat illnesses and monitor those with you at the fair, especially those most vulnerable, like young children and older adults. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, and even nausea or vomiting. Someone experiencing heat exhaustion might also find themselves tired or weak, dizzy or faint, and have a headache.
Warning signs for heat stroke are similar but have much more serious consequences. For heat stroke, the person stops sweating and has red, hot, and dry skin. Their body temperature can rise extremely high (above 103°F), and they can experience a throbbing headache. Symptoms also include dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
According to the CDC, if you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
- Get the victim to a shady area or into an air-conditioned building.
- Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
In case you are about to decide to just stay home, remember what Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Planning and being prepared for the heat can make it a great time riding the rides and seeing all of the exhibits. You can always stop at the EHC Kitchen for some delicious home-style cooking and a chance to relax in one of the only air-conditioned buildings at the fair.
For more information on events at the fair, www.garlandcountyfair.com. If you would like to know more about how to stay safe in the heat, contact the Garland County Extension Service by calling 501-623-6841 or visit 210 Woodbine Street, Hot Springs. Learn more about heat-related illnesses.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
{Catch up on past articles by Alison at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/crane/.}
