It is going to be a hot summer and all of us are affected by the heat.
The heat you experience at work combines with the heat you experience at home and outside doing sports… and can lead to heat illness. You can take simple steps to protect yourself.

What Is Heat Illness?
It occurs when your body keeps in more heat than it loses, and your temperature rises. It can occur even in the young and fit. Symptoms can include:

• Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
• Muscle pain, cramping or poor coordination
• Poor concentration, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fatigue
• Headache, blurry vision, nausea with or without vomiting
• Skin is cool and moist
• Breathing is fast and shallow
• Seizures or fainting
• Dark Urine

You Are Prone to Heat Illness If…

• You have an illness like diabetes or high blood pressure or respiratory disease
• Take certain medications (ask your doctor)
• You are on a low salt diet
• Poor Physical condition
• The first few days the environment is hot (It takes several days to acclimate to increased heat)

What Can You Do To Prevent Heat Illness?

• Avoid dehydration: drink approximately 1 pint (16 fluid ounces) of water or electrolyte drink per hour when it is hot (That is how much you lose from sweating.) Do not drink sodas, coffee or tea or energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull, etc. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
• At home avoid excessive alcohol in hot weather. You will be dehydrated the next day.
• If you feel symptoms, take a break in a cooler place & drink cool, but not icy water
• Tell your supervisor if you feel you are getting heat illness
• Ask for a fan if your work area is very hot
• Eat lighter meals and keep your blood sugar stable by having healthy snacks during your breaks. No sugary food.
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep (When tired you get heat illness easier)
• After work take a cool shower or bath
• Take care of each other. If any co-workers look sick, check them out and help if necessary
• If working in the sun: wear sunscreen, a hat & UV-adsorbent sunglasses