Crazy Hot Weather

It is crazy hot around here. We are about 10 degrees above our average for this time of year and the humidity is like being in a steamroom. Needless to say just stepping outside the door starts the sweat pouring. Everything is miserable around here with the exception of the sunflowers and corn, which seem to be enjoying themselves quite nicely. Just this past month we had an unusual cold spell in which we were looking for sweaters and now we can't get cool enough. All the critters are miserable, milk production is down due to the heat. The rabbits are really miserable and my last litter growing out from the spring litters seems to be stalled in their growth. Too hot to eat much I suppose. I suffered heat exhaustion one year and so I don't tolerate this weather well at all. In fact, I can get sick really quickly. So I have some tips for others who are suffering under these weather conditions also.

1. Stay hydrated. Drink often and all day long. Don't wait until you are thirsty because by then you are dehydrated.

2. Eat small meals and lots of fruit. Eating a large meal really jacks up your metabolism which increases your core body temp, causing you to suffer heat exhaustion sooner. Eating small meals or snacks through the day keeps your metabolic rate lower and therefore doesn't change your body temperature that much.

3. Wear breathable clothing and a hat to keep the sun off your head.

4. Go out early and late. Stay inside in the middle of the day if possible.

5. When outside tying a wet bandana around your neck will help keep you cooler. In addition to this work in the shade. I typically follow the shade around my garden as all of it gets some shade even if only for a tiny little bit.

If you feel yourself getting too hot seek the shade or indoors, then place an ice cube on the inside of your wrist. Take things easy and drink plenty of fluids. Replace your electrolytes with one of the sports drinks, I prefer the ones without artificial dyes. My grandad's old fashioned remedy for replacing electrolytes was to put salt in a can of beer and he drank one of those everyday in the summer. Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion so they don't turn into heat stroke. If you are feeling a headache, dizziness, general body weakness you probably have had enough of the heat and should seek shelter indoors. There is a reason the old timers took a long siesta in the middle of the day before the days of AC. It was too bloody hot to do anything else. Stay safe and healthy folks. Blessings from the farm, Kat