Hot weather can, at times, create cause for health concerns. The hottest sultry days of summer have often been called the “dog days of summer”. For us who reside in Arizona, the “summer’s dog days” are most commonly experienced in the months of July and August. These are the months Arizona experiences the hottest temperatures, as well as seasonal monsoons.
The name “dog days of summer” comes from an ancient belief about Sirius, also called the Dog Star.
In ancient times it was believed that Sirius which is in close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather. Fortunately, traditions have changed from the early Roman days when Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease Sirius’s rage. They did this based on their belief that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather. Obviously, this was all before the comforts of air conditioning!
Watch out for health issues that are heat-related – Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help
Paying attention to over-heating during summer’s “dog days” is a significant health concern. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine can help.
Watch for signs/symptoms of heat-related illness which can include:
– muscle cramps
– nausea or vomiting
– weakness
– headache
– dizziness
– confusion
If any of these symptoms develop, people need to lower their body temperature and get hydrated. Whatever the activity – whether doing exercise, yard work, or washing the car, a person should immediately get out of the heat. Drink fluids – water or a sports drink to help with re-balancing electrolytes. Remove extra clothing or sports equipment. Use cool water to help get body temperature down. If possible, have someone stay with you who can help monitor your condition. Seek medical help if not feeling better within 30 minutes. Once a person has had heatstroke, they are at a higher risk of getting a heat illness again.
If concerned about summer heat or humidity, stay indoors as much as possible. Work out at a gym, walk laps inside a mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building. Be careful out there —- it is the hot “dog days of summer”.
Give us a call at Acupuncture Alternatives for a summer tune-up.
Let us help you stay healthy during the “dog days of summer” and all year long – 480 671 5178.