Kent State students relax in the sun at the Risman Plaza on
the Kent Campus.

It is inevitable that when summertime hits, the heat can quickly become unbearable and dangerous. We all have our own ways and methods on trying to cool down when those temperatures rise.

Jeffrey Pellegrino, Ph.D., assistant director of the Faculty Professional Development Center at Kent State University, who has worked with the American Red Cross for 35 years on health safety and disaster services and serves on its National Science Advisory Council, lends out a few suggestions on how to stay cool this summer with his top three tips everyone should follow.

• Be prepared physically. Healthy bodies are better able to deal with exercise levels that could lead a less fit person to suffer an emergency — so exercise ahead of time and build up to ultimate activities.
• Be prepared for the day. Stay hydrated and dress appropriately.
• Be prepared for chilling out. Plan your day, and know when you can take breaks and where. This is really important, especially when you are in a group.
  

Pellegrino also provides warning signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion to look for in yourself and others. The early signs include wet, cool skin, vomiting and changes in behavior. Late signs that could be life threatening and should result in calling 911 are seizures, change in consciousness, hot, red skin, rapid shallow breathing and high internal body temperature.

“Heat emergencies are very preventable. People need to look out for each other, especially those who can’t cool themselves, including the elderly, sick, and infants, establish plans for extreme weather, and work and play smart,” Pellegrino says.

By following these simple steps and looking for the warning signs offered by Pellegrino, everyone is sure to have a very “cool” and smart summer.

Both The Weather Channel and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recently interviewed Pellegrino for tips and care on heat-related emergencies. In the podcast for AIHA, Kent State alumna Kathryn Grandstaff was one of the interviewers. Click here to listen to the podcast.

For more information on how to stay cool during this summer season at work or play, and the warning signs of heat emergencies, contact Pellegrino at Jpelleg1@kent.edu or 330-672-1902, or visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.