Tips for cooling down when the temperatures go up

Sussex County -A major heat wave is griping New Jersey this week, and medical officials are warning of the danger of heat-related illnesses. Temperatures are reaching into the 90s degrees but meteorologists warned that the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel like 110 degrees. The hot weather was expected to bring patients to hospital emergency rooms suffering from heat exhaustion or heat-related complications from other illnesses, said Dr. Hosseinali Shahidi, director of the department of emergency medicine at the UMDNJ-University Hospital in Newark. Shahidi warned that young children and older people battling heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or multiple sclerosis should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. The heat is especially dangerous during the afternoon hours, when temperatures are expected to be at their highest. Heatstroke, which includes breathing troubles and even loss of consciousness, can strike suddenly, while heat exhaustion, with its fatigue, dizziness or nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps, develops slowly. Shahidi advised state residents to dress lightly with light colors and avoid physical exertion. Regularly drinking fluids, avoiding alcohol and remaining in air conditioning was also advised. Pet owners also need to be aware that animals are just as susceptible to the heat as humans, Nora Parker, executive vice president of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Saturday’s newspapers. Cats and dogs need cold water and a shady place outdoors or a cool indoor environment, said Parker, who reminded pet owners to never leave their animal in a closed car.