You should know how heat affects you so you can avoid becoming a casualty. Physical problems from prolonged heat waves are caused by the body’s inability to maintain normal body temperature. Although statistically, people over age 65 are the most likely to suffer from heat waves.
Heat affects people of all ages including active and healthy young people. We have all seen news stories where a young person drops dead after sustained physical exertion on a hot day. If you have any health-related conditions or risk factors like cardiovascular or respiratory problems, you are in more danger because your exposure while working in long periods of high temperatures increases sharply.
Your body gives you clues when it is being put under stress in hot weather. Signs and symptoms of heat stress include lack of sweating, hot dry skin, headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Look, everyone can avoid danger from over-exertion in hot weather by knowing how to keep their core body temperature controlled.
Here are 7 ways to beat the heat
- #1, allow yourself to become acclimatized to working in hot weather. Take time to get used to it. Your body can take up to two weeks to get used to warmer temperatures, especially if you are performing vigorous, sustained physical activity.
- #2, Drink small amounts of water more frequently than usual. In other words, drink them on a schedule rather than just when you are thirsty. By the time you are feeling thirsty, you may have already lost enough fluid to affect your performance. If you are taking medications, find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
- #3, Eat smaller meals before work activities. It helps to eat smaller meals and to eat them more frequently.
- #4, Avoid alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Both have dehydrating effects.
- #5, If you are working directly in the sun doing vigorous strenuous activity, take more frequent, short breaks in the cool shade.
- #6, Cool your skin frequently. Cool off in front of a fan. Wrap a wet towel around your neck during a break or use cooling bandanas or neck wraps.
- #7, Avoid direct exposure to the Sun as much as possible wear long sleeves, and rigged shades, use a hat, and wear sunscreen.
Use these seven ways to stay healthy during hot weather. Don’t let yourself get beat by the heat. Thank You & Have A Safe Day!