CROSSVILLE —
Statistics from the National Climatic Data Center for the first six months of 2012 as reported by USA Today July 9, tell us January through June of this year was the warmest ever for the contiguous United States (CONUS). That is a 118-year record (comparative climatic data for CONUS has been tracked since 1895). Tennessee joined 27 other states and more than 100 cities with the warmest six-month start of any year on record. The sweltering temperatures during summer heat waves pose a serious health threat to gardeners and to plants they cultivate.
The National Weather Service online report “Heat: A Major Killer” (www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/) spells out the severe risks of extreme heat; lists the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) excessive heat watches, warnings and advisories; explains the physical effects of too much heat; and also gives heat wave safety tips for both children and adults. That is where I learned “heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States” claiming “more lives than floods, lightening, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.”
Heat related illnesses develop when body temperature goes up due to rapid warming and the body cannot cool itself naturally or when too much fluid or salt is lost because of dehydration and/or sweating. Some water loss through perspiration is necessary for cooling but chemical imbalances can result with salt depletion. Heat problems are more severe in children because their bodies warm at a faster rate. In the adult population, when underlying physical conditions are equal, negative effects of high heat tend to increase with age.
Here are some safe practices for people in excessive heat situations: Even if windows are down, do not leave children, pets and/or elderly adults unattended in a vehicle during hot weather. Postpone or do not plan strenuous activities during the heat of the day. Stay where it is cooler whether outdoors in shade or in water or indoors with good airflow and/or air conditioning. If you don’t have AC or fans at home go to a library, to the movies or to a shopping mall that is air conditioned.
Don’t get too much sun. Wear protective sun lotion. Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. In addition to redness and pain or blistering and fever in bad cases, sunburned skin can’t dissipate heat efficiently. Dress in lightweight, light-colored summer clothing and wear a hat or cap when outside
Though it isn’t a preventative for heat-related problems, gardeners and others doing outdoor work should also remember to apply insect repellent to avoid bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs that hide in vegetation. I recommend scrubbing down well in a shower or bath right after coming indoors from activities like yard work, golfing or hiking. It cools you down and minimizes or eliminates problems from biting creatures like ticks and chiggers.
Avoid foods with lots of protein (meats) which can increase both metabolic heat and water loss. Take salt tablets only if advised to do so by a physician. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages and take caffeinated beverages in moderation. Do have plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated drinks. Drink fluids even though you aren’t thirsty to prevent dehydration.
Individual plants are suited to and grow best within a certain range of high and low temperatures. In 1997, the American Horticulture Society produced the AHS Heat Zone Map and rated how well various plants stand up to high temperatures. That was the flipside for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map and ratings which show plant species survival at low temperatures.
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Plateau Gardening is written by Master Gardeners for gardeners in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region. UT Extension Cumberland County at P.O. Box 483, Crossville, TN 38557 (931-484-6743) has answers horticulture questions, free publications and details on how to become a Master Gardener. Send email comments or yard & garden inquiries to Master Gardener Rae, mgardenerrae@frontiernet.net.
Lifestyles
Plateau Gardening: People and plants suffer when temperatures reach record highs
- Lifestyles
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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Pow-wow set for May 18-19
Everyone is invited to come attend the educational and cultural event, Pow-Wow on the Plateau "Honoring All Survivors" on May 18 and 19 at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. There will be many Indian tribes and dance styles represented. Bert Cox will be the master of ceremonies.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Therapy gym opens at Uplands
Functional Pathways, Inc. is the Uplands Village therapy provider for physical, occupational and speech therapy. A new therapy gym has been established in the renovated Apartment 4 at 23 Heritage Loop next door to the new home health care office and respite rooms. The Village and Fletcher residents will receive their therapy in the gym. Wharton Homes residents will have therapy in the Wharton therapy rooms.
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FAIR PARK: Crossville’s Got Talent is this Friday
Crossville really has so much talent in this area. Some is home grown, and others have decided to enjoy retiring in the county. The Fair Park Senior Center recently held auditions for the third annual Crossville’s Got Talent Show, and everyone who tried out did a great job, but the show is very limited to only two hours. So not all the people who tried out got to be in the show.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Pruning pines
The time for spring pruning of pines is right now while new growth (commonly called "candles") is still pale green and flexible. Waiting until later in the season or using tools like hand-held or long-handled pruners doesn’t give good results.
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