It’s hot in Borderland.

Temperatures in International Falls reached 92 degrees Tuesday, breaking the 55-year-old record of 91 degrees in 1951.

Wednesday’s high of 95 broke the 1949 record of 92 degrees. Heat indices, or “feels-like” temperatures have been hovering near 105 degrees. For this week at least, the worst heat may be over. Today’s temperatures are forecasted to be closer to our normal 79 degrees. With the heat of August still ahead, however, high temperatures are expected to return.

The heat hasn’t stopped many area residents from enjoying the summer, however. Local woman Kyrsten Skogstad and her friend and former college roommate Suparna Salil seemed to be following all of the rules of summer safety as they sat outside of the Metro Coffee Landing downtown Tuesday. Sitting in the shade, sipping mango iced-tea, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, Salil seemed quite comfortable in the heat. “I’m from Houston,” she said. “It’s always hot there.”

And the golf greens had their share of activity as well.

“There are a lot of crazy people out there,” said Falls resident Dave Jackson jokingly, after a day of golfing in the heat. “I take a lot of Gatorade with me.”

The “dog days” of summer are the north’s hottest time of the year. They generally last between the first of July through the middle of August. Though more recently associated with the sluggishness of dogs on these sweltering hot days, the phrase was originally coined in ancient times, describing the days that fell before and after the sun aligned with the dog star, Sirius.

But for many, hot weather can bring more than general discomfort and lack of energy. And for people and animals alike, an intense heat wave like this week’s can be downright dangerous.

Bonnie Selberg, an nurse at the Duluth Clinic in International Falls, says some residents are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because they fall into a higher-risk group.

“Older people sometimes aren’t as aware of the temperature because their internal thermostats aren’t working as well, the same goes for young children. Also, if you have had a heat stroke it predisposes you to future heat strokes which are often worse the second time around,” said Selberg.

Deb Polkinghorne, a public health nurse with Koochiching County Public Health, agrees.

“Those with physical disabilities and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are also more susceptible, as certain medications can make them more dehydrated,” she said.

Taking steps to avoid dehydration and overheating is crucial when exposed to the heat.

“Drink fluids, and drink before you feel thirsty. Non-alcoholic and low-sugar drinks, sports drinks. Stay indoors. Go to an air-conditioned place. Wear light-weight clothing, use electric fans. Limit outside activity to early morning or evening when possible. If you have to be outside, rest frequently in shaded areas,” said Polkinghorne. “Especially if you have an older or ill neighbor, take time to make sure they are keeping cool.”

“Neighbors check on neighbors,” she said.

The staff of Good Samaritan Care Center in International Falls has been taking extra measures to keep the residents comfortable.

“At afternoon coffee time we’ve served watermelon, root beer floats, and strawberry shortcake,” said Shawn Shofner. “Large water coolers, some filled with icy lemonade are available at the nurses stations.”

Young children should drink lots of water, reduce playtime and avoid direct sunlight during extremely warm temperatures.

Animals feel the effects of the heat as well. Although area veterinary clinics haven’t responded to too many cases of heat-related illness in pets this week, they do remind pet owners to use common sense when caring for their animals during hot weather.

“Make sure pets are in areas that have adequate ventilation — air-conditioning if possible,” said Dr. Wade Himes of Falls Veterinary Clinic.

“The two things that create the most problems are leaving a pet in a car without air-conditioning, and over-exercising. They don’t need to chase a ball on days like this,” he said.

According to Rainy River Veterinary Hospital staff member Denise Atchley, the clinic has treated a few cases of dehydrated, heat-stressed pets, but not many. Mostly, keeping pets safe is just a matter of using common sense, she said.

“Make sure they have plenty of water — fresh water, and access to a cool place,” she said. Many animals beat the heat by simply slowing down and limiting their activity.

“Animals are very smart in that sense,” said Atchley. “They rely on instinct much more than people do. We try to reason instead, thinking we have to get out and mow the lawn.”

As with people, if a pet exhibits signs of heat-related illness, offer first aid and veterinary attention if necessary. Heavy panting, staggering, loss of appetite can all signify heat stress, according to Himes. He recommends cooling the animal down with a wet, cool towel or blanket, or giving a cool bath.

Despite precautions, people can still experience heat-related illness. Recognizing the causes and symptoms is important. A severe sunburn can reduce the skin's ability to release heat, and heat cramps can occur during strenuous activity in hot weather. Heat cramps are generally in the arms, legs, and abdomen and follow periods of heavy sweating.

According to the Center for Disease Control, heat exhaustion is a mild form of shock characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, cold, clammy skin, a weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. It can result from intense exercise or being inside a warm, humid place. Blood flow to the skin increases - in an attempt to cool the body - causing blood flow to vital organs to decrease.

Heat stroke, a serious and often life-threatening heat-related illness, occurs when the body temperature rises rapidly, sweating stops, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms include a strong, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even unconsciousness. If the body temperature rises too high, brain damage or death can quickly result.

The CDC offers the following advice when treating heat exhaustion and heat stroke: If heat exhaustion is suspected, rest in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet clothes or take a cool shower or bath. Drink cool beverages unless nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention. For heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Meanwhile, try to cool down as quickly as possible by removing clothing and using a cool sponge bath or fan, take a cool bath or shower or even a garden hose. Do not drink anything.

For more information on heat index and advisories, or heat safety, visit the National Weather Service Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov [1], or The Red Cross at www.redcross.org [2].