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Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
Being weather-aware comes naturally to most of us in this industry and other primarily outdoor industries. However, our co-worker Lily Claire is really, really into weather and does her own research from numerous sources. She is the author of this blog post; it’s information she sent out to our team… and we thought you might benefit from it as well!
Some of the information is condensed down from the CDC; here is the link to a page that has all kinds of info. We are plant people NOT doctors so this is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. If you or someone you know is struggling, err on the side of caution and be as proactive as possible.
Without further ado, here are Lily Claire’s thoughts:
Hello fellow Good Earthlings,
After being spoiled with cooler temperatures well into June, the heat and humidity are coming in hard and fast over the next few weeks with a record breaking heat dome in the forecast for much of the eastern/central United States for the later half of June/early July. Although we are very capable adults and everything will probably be smooth sailing, there are a lot of medications / circumstances that can reduce your tolerance to heat, so it’s best to be informed and prepared. Especially during these first few weeks while everybody is adjusting, hence these reminders about heat safety!
Staying Cool
Take breaks, plan most strenuous activities for when temperatures are the coolest of the day, and stay in the shade as much as possible. A sun hat is also a good idea but it needs to be one designed for use in hot weather, with good ventilation and ideally, a wide brim.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty, and avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks that can lead to dehydration.
Clothing
Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to allow for air circulation and sweat evaporation.
Sun Protection
Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Stay Aware
Be mindful of the signs of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headache, says the CDC.
About Heat and Humidity
“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is a partly valid phrase you may have heard in the summer, but it’s actually both. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when humidity is combined with the air temperature. During extremely hot and especially humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body gets too hot, it begins to sweat to cool itself off. If the sweat is not able to evaporate due to high humidity, the body cannot regulate its temperature, as evaporation is the cooling part of the process.
It surprises many people to learn that the heat index values are for shady locations. If you are in direct sunlight, the heat index value can be increased by up to 15°F. So it is especially important when working outdoors in the sun to stay hydrated (especially drinks with electrolytes).
For more information about the symptoms and recommended first aid for heat related health issues, please visit one of the following links:
Heat-Related Illnesses (John Hopkins)
Heat-Related Illnesses (Department of Labor)
Stay Hydrated,
❤️ LC