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.

Text Only
Local News
Seasonal Content
Poll

A recent study of southern tornadoes has found that storm shelters did not protect them. Where do you take shelter when tornadoes threaten?

A basement or cellar
A storm shelter
A hallway or closet
Bathtub
Other
I don't take shelter
     View Results
AP Video
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium 50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
NDN Video
Raw Video: Man Rescued From River in China Beyonce Entertains the First Family Celtics crush Sixers in Game 7 Alleged Lego Thief Faces Felony Charges Has Snooki Named Her Baby? Heat Wave Warms Holiday Weekend Inspiration for the class of 2012 Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3" 80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini Sliders on the Grill Cruise ship crunch Backstage With Beyonce Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest Jenny McCarthy's New Man Tyler's Classic Coleslaw Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.