Preventing Heat Exhaustion in Higher Temperatures
As the temperatures keep getting hotter, it is increasingly important to understand how to prevent heat exhaustion and remain hydrated. If you are working outside in these hot temperatures, you will need to ensure that you take the steps to remain as hydrated as possible and reduce the chances of heat exhaustion. Here are a few tips for staying hydrated and preventing heat exhaustion.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Understanding the signs of heat exhaustion will help you to act quickly when you start to experience it. This is critical in preventing heat exhaustion from escalating to heatstroke, which is incredibly severe. Heat exhaustion tends to cause excessive thirst. It may also result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Heat exhaustion often results in a headache and fatigue, as well as feeling cold and clammy.
Move to Cooler Area
If you begin to feel the signs of heat exhaustion, it is important to act quickly to lower your body temperature and prevent the problem from escalating. First, you need to ensure that you move to a cooler area, such as an air conditioned building. You should immediately start rehydrating to help restore your health. If you still feel the symptoms of heat exhaustion after taking these steps, it may be time to seek medical attention.
Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke often results when you don’t rehydrate properly or move to a cooler area after experiencing heat exhaustion. When you are experiencing heatstroke, the body often loses its ability to control temperature. Due to this, one of the first signs of heatstroke is a lack of sweating, despite feeling extremely hot. Heatstroke often begins with signs of confusion and may even progress to seizures or a rapid pulse. If you are experiencing the symptoms of heatstroke, it is essential to obtain medical treatment.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing
Wearing the appropriate clothing can often help to preventing heat exhaustion. When the temperatures are extremely hot, you will want to opt for light-colored clothing that won’t absorb as much heat from the sun. Wearing hats can also help to prevent heat exhaustion.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
If you are expecting to be in hot temperatures, you will want to ensure that you can stay hydrated. This often means avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Either of these substances can detract from your hydration and make it more difficult to keep hydrated.
Focus on Hydration
Staying hydrated is often critical in preventing heat exhaustion. Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids both the day before and the day of physical activity. You may also need to take extra steps to replace salts and electrolytes that you lose when sweating. This can often be done by drinking sports drinks.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
When the summer temperatures get incredibly hot, it will be important to schedule your outdoor activities carefully. Sometimes, such as when you are working, this is not possible. However, for optional activities, you should strive to perform them in the cooler hours of the day, such as the early morning or evening.
Wear Sunscreen
While sunscreen won’t necessarily reduce your body temperature, it can help prevent sunburns. When you sustain sunburns, they will detract from your body’s natural ability to cool itself down and regulate its temperature. Preventing sunburns can help you to reduce the chances of heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
We understand that it is possible to have to work outside during the summer temperatures. These tips can often help you in preventing heat exhaustion and minimize issues that you may experience. For more information about staying safe when working outside in the summer an preventing heat exhaustion, contact us at All Trades Staffing Services today!
