McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

Local News

June 25, 2009

It may be hot, but jobs still have to be done

By Marketta Johnson

Summer is officially here and you may be looking for ways to beat the summer time heat. For those folks who must work in the heat, it is a good idea to know how to work safely when the mercury soars.

Chase Jewell, of Crowder, a delivery driver for Z- Bird Vending, has been braving the heat. “It wears me down,” Jewell said. Jewell notices it most when he he works outdoors and is sweating, then comes into a air-conditioned building to make a delivery.

With high temperatures nearing 100 degrees, here are some tips that may keep you cool when the mercury rises.

Everyone needs to make sure that they are drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can lead to dehydration. Signs to dehydration are thirst, less frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, light headedness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, rapid pulse and heavy breathing.

For those who must exercise outdoors, a good option to avoid heat related illness is to exercise during the coolest times of the day.

Exercise when temperatures are lowest, such as in the early morning or late evening. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and also choose cooling, lightweight clothing.

Be on the lookout for heat related illness and be vigilant about preventing these illnesses before they occur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer heat.

The National Weather Service states that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer.

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop exposure to high temperatures. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting and fainting. If think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion stay in a cool air-conditioned environment, take cool baths or showers, rest and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Heat stroke is a much more serious heat-related illness and could be life threatening. Those most susceptible to the illness are infants, the elderly, athletes, and those with a medical condition. Signs of heatstroke are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and dizziness. If you think you may be suffering for this serious medical condition, contact emergency medical services immediately.

There are ways you can attempt to beat the heat inside your home. Install or use your ceiling fan in conjunction with an air conditioner. Make sure your ceiling fan blades are rotating counterclockwise during the summer months. One can also use sun-blocking curtains and blinds to block out the summertime heat. Also, make sure your attic is properly vented. The summer temperature can reach well over 100 degrees inside your attic; make sure the heat has a way to escape. Finally make sure your home is well insulated. This step will help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

These tips are just a start. Make sure to take proper caution when out and about this summer. Although the summer weather can lead to a lighthearted attitude, it is serious business. Protect yourself from the heat. Stay cool.

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