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The hot months of summer are here!
Working or playing in the heat can take a toll
on your body if you're not properly
prepared. It is important to regulate
your body temperature by keeping adequately
hydrated and to acclimate your body gradually
to be able to withstand increasingly hot
conditions. your body is equipped with
its own "heat control mechanisms" which
can become overworked in hot, humid and poorly
ventilated areas. When you are
exercising or working physically, your muscles
generate heat as a metabolic by-product.
Sweating is an effective means of dissipating
heat when the air is dry or when there is a
breeze. But when the humidity rises and
the air become denser, sweat is not evaporated
from the skin as readily. When the core
body temperature rises too high, heat-related
illnesses result, heat cramps, heat
exhaustion, or heat stroke. Such heat
stress, whether mild, moderate, or severe, can
occur suddenly and can be very
dangerous. It's important, therefore, to
be able to recognize the warning signals so
that you can take steps to prevent excess body
temperatures and possible organ and brain
damage.
The following information will
help you identify your body's heat stress
signals and apply the appropriate action to
prevent heat-related problems.
Heat cramps:
Symptoms: Muscle pain and spasms
Treatment: Drink water, alternate tasks
between strenuous and easy
Heat Exhaustion:
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, headache,
giddiness, clammy skin, red complexion, rapid
heart rate and fainting
Treatment: Move to a cool area, drink water
moderately and rest!
Heat Stroke:
Symptoms: Hot, dry, red and blotchy skin,
confusion, convulsions and loss of
consciousness
Treatment: Immerse in cool water or wrap in
wet cloth and get medical attention
How to Prevent Heat Stress
Drink plenty of water
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored cotton
clothing; keep a shirt on and a
shade-producing hat.
Take frequent rest breaks in the shade
Remember that it takes about 7 to 10 days to
acclimate your body to heat
Avoid eating hot, heavy meals. Instead,
eat cool, light meals
Most people already consume too much sale;
salt tablets are usually unnecessary
Don't drink alcohol (even the night before) or
caffeinated drinks, as they cause dehydration
Talk to your doctor about possible
heat-related reactions from any medications
you may be taking
(Information provided from our
friends at The Hartford)
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