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PAGE 10A PICKENS COUNTY PROGRESS THURSDAY. JUNE 16. 2022
Second Saturday Makes for a double good time
by Dan Pool, Editor
dpool@pickensprogress.com
The second Second Saturday event in downtown Jasper was
judged a solid success by attendees, music fans, vendors and
organizers. With warm but not uncomfortable weather, a crowd
judged to be larger than the initial Second Saturday in May
came out to hear the local Joe Logan Band with opening act
American Blue Club.
Lead organizer Marty Callahan, with the Downtown
Development Authority, said it’s impossible to state crowd
numbers with no gates or admission charges but estimates
range to at least 1,200 attending some portion of the event.
Next month (July 9) when East Bound and Down, along
with the Chess Band play, there may be some better figures on
the crowd using technology available through the economic
development office here and provided through Ca. Power
involving cell phone data which can be used to determine a
crowd size.
Callahan said he and other organizers felt re-positioning
the stage to the center of North Main allowed people to sit in
more of the shady areas and have a good view.
For July, when temperatures could really be a factor,
organizers are looking at options like free water and cooling
stations. The concert, which runs from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., will
not be any later with Callahan saying 10 p.m. is late enough
considering the clean-up work of city crews to get the roads re
opened.
Vendors reported strong sales of food and beverages and
the Jasper Police Chief reported no significant issues.
The Progress had been made aware of a rumor that some
type of altercation had occurred requiring police action but
Police Chief Matt Dawkins said it was only a minor dispute and
didn't result in any charges or cause any concern with the event
as a whole.
June 11, Downtown Jasper
Photos by Robin Dunn
SCSNSS FROM
S8C0ND SATURDAY
Piedmont
MOUNTAINSIDE
Greetings!
Although the official “first day” is June 21, most of us are already enjoying summer. With an
abundance of outdoor activities in our region’s backyard, including swimming, boating,
kayaking, canoeing, tubing, hiking and more, there’s so much to offer during summer in
Northwest Georgia whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover.
Of course, with summer activities comes the possibility of accidents and heat exhaustion or
heat stroke. Unfortunately, our emergency departments treat more than our share of
patients during summer with illness and injuries that could have been prevented. In this
month’s column, I’m going to focus on awareness and prevention of heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.
When your body is exposed to more heat than it can handle, the situation can escalate
quickly. The National Safety Council says people most at risk of heat exhaustion or heat
stroke include:
• Those who work in the heat
• Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
• People 65 and older
• People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
• People who are overweight
Staying hydrated and allowing yourself time to rest and cool down are key to avoiding a
heat-related medical event. Also, know how to identify the signs and symptoms of heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can include pale, ashen or moist skin: muscle
cramps; fatigue, weakness, or exhaustion; headache, dizziness or fainting; nausea or
vomiting; and rapid heart rate. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature exceeds 104
degrees and is a life-threatening medical emergency that can lead to brain damage, organ
failure or even death.
Here are some simple tips for protecting yourself and others during hot weather;
• Acclimate your body. For example, if you like to garden in the summer, start with just 10 to
15 minutes at a time and gradually work your way up to longer durations. If you aren’t used to
the heat and go from an air-conditioned house to two hours in 90-degree weather, you could
set yourself up for heat illness.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water and sports drinks with electrolytes can help replace the
water the body loses while sweating.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, cotton clothing.
• Avoid outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat, typically between 10 a.m. and 2
p.m. Instead, try to plan activities for the early morning or late evening.
• Wear sunscreen in a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or
immediately after sweating or swimming.
• Take breaks. Stay in the shade whenever possible and take breaks to hydrate. Athletes
should take frequent breaks to rest.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, a
car’s interior temperature can increase 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. When you’re not in the
car, keep it locked so children can’t get inside.
• Stick with a family member or friend. If you are alone and develop a heat-related illness, it
can be difficult to seek help. Whether you plan to play a sport, go for a hike or do yardwork,
make sure you have a buddy with you or that someone knows where you are and when you
plan to return.
If you encounter someone with symptoms of heat illness, you should immediately bring
them indoors or to a shaded area, elevate their legs, remove excess layers of clothing, give
them water, and allow them to rest. With more severe symptoms (loss of consciousness,
seizure activity, trouble breathing, rapid heart rate or low blood pressure/weak pulse), call 911
immediately.
While enjoying your summer, be safe. The Fourth of July is certainly a fun time to celebrate
our country’s independence. When celebrating the holiday, please remember to follow safe
grilling and fireworks practices in addition to staying hydrated.
Always,
YUMJU
Denise Ray, President and Chief Executive Office
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital