Be Heat Savvy!
Summer is here, and higher than average heat will be affecting our communities and outdoor workplaces. Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of heat illness.
Drink water early and often
Just like you cannot go at high speed if your car is low on coolant, your body needs water to cope with high temperatures!
- Do not wait to be thirsty to drink water.
- Water helps your body maintain a healthy body temperature.
- You need to be hydrated to help your body sweat. Sweat helps your body cool down when it evaporates.
- If you are working outdoors and it is hot, drink four cups of water every hour. You will not go to the bathroom more often because your body will sweat out the water.
Water is the best option to stay hydrated
- When sweating profusely, you may substitute a cup of water for a cup of sports drink. This will help your body to maintain hydration.
- Do not only drink sports drink instead of water or before sweating profusely. Your body needs water to stay hydrated, and your body needs water to sweat.
- Drinking too much sports drink may negatively affect your health.
- Alcohol dehydrates the body. Think of how a person may feel the morning after drinking too much alcohol. Headache and thirst are signs of dehydration.
- Drinking a cold beer may help you to feel cooler, but alcohol is not a substitute for water.
Remember, do not wait to feel thirsty to drink water if the heat is affecting you. Keeping your body hydrated by drinking enough water will help you work hard and stay healthy!