BEAT THE HEAT

by J. Garnet

Arizona is known for being hot, and the heat. Some people have been seen in the eyes of people across the using an umbrella to keep the sun off of country it’s the place to be in the them while walking, some are sporting winter because the temperatures are more large-brimmed hats and of course there’s moderate than most of the country. This is always sitting under a large shade tree to why the population of the state increases help beat the heat. There are even products dramatically in the winter months. But on the market with little misters and a fan what about the summer? Retirees pack up to wear around the neck. Staying cool in and leave their winter escape when the heat the Arizona summer could be considered is turned up. College students pack up at necessary in order to have the best quality the end of the semester and head home, of life. Heat can have adverse reactions to usually before the thermometer hits 100 dethe human body and health. grees. So what about the locals—the people Extended exposure to extreme who live here all year? They endure some of temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exthe warmest weather in the country. Thankhaustion and heat cramps. In severe cases, fully, many Arizonans have learned coping it may even cause death. When exposed to mechanisms to deal with the extreme heat. high temperatures, the human body needs There are some methods, however, that are to work harder to maintain a healthy internot as mainstream as others. nal temperature. The heart rate increases

A glass of cold water, a dip in the in order to get more blood to the skin, pool or hunkering down inside with the sweat glands work overtime and respiration air conditioner are common ways to beat increases as the body tries to rid itself of too much internal heat. Because the body is working hard to stay cool, there are certain things that occur. Increased agitation, loss of focus, lack of concentration, lethargy and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms of getting too much heat.

During the steamy months of summer, some people say that it is Mother Nature’s wrath, however, she also provides many natural ways to cool down. Staying out of direct sunlight is perhaps the easiest way to remain cool. Although not overly populated with shade trees, Arizona has its share. The Tipu is perhaps one of the more popular shade trees in the desert because it grows quickly, reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet in just a few seasons. The Sissoo tree is also popular because it’s a semi evergreen. It grows to about 60 feet high and offers the much needed shade to anyone sitting under it. The green-trunked Palo Verde can be spotted throughout Arizona, and with its wide canopy, can bring relief from the sun’s harmful rays. The Arizona Ash, Weeping Willow and Elm are also known for being a landscaper’s favorite for beating the heat.

Because trees draw moisture from even the driest of environments, it’s not unusual for the bark and leaves of a tree to be cooler than the surrounding air temperature. By simply being near a grouping of trees, a little relief can be found. Tree huggers may have the right idea. Hug a tree and feel the heat exchange. Ever wonder why the koala is often seen lounging in a tree, arms wrapped around a branch or the trunk? Michael Kearney, from the University of Melbourne, has written a study that shows koalas hug trees to stay cool in the brutal Australian heat. Hugging a tree, or simply sitting under its shade, can cool the body’s external temperature, but what about cooling the internal burn?