Hot weather safety a priority during summertime

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ross LaPointe
  • 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
TRAVIS, AFB, Calif. --  The weather is warming and allergies are on the rise at Travis. The critical days of summer are about to begin. Outdoor work situations are becoming more strenuous due to the increase in temperature. Precautions need to be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure a safe and fun-filled summer for everyone.

Outdoor and indoor activities in hot conditions required for work may not be avoided, however, heat-related illnesses are.

"We see an increase in heat-related illnesses as the weather gets warmer," said Col. (Dr.) Brian Hayes, 60th Medical Group commander and preventive medicine physician. "We are entering the time of year when you really need to listen to your body. If you are thirsty, your body is telling you that you are already one to two pints low on water and need to hydrate, drink water. If you are drenched in sweat, start to get a headache or just feel tired, take a break from the heat by moving into the shade or better yet, an air conditioned building with a nice fan blowing on you."

A basic understanding of the body's heat-regulating process can help in the prevention of heat-related illnesses. To explain this, the body's heat regulating process can be broken down into two steps, writes Dr. Clifton Crutchfield, University of Arizona division of community and environmental health certified industrial hygienist. After the brain determines the need for heat regulation, the body begins to move this heat from its core to its shell - skin - and then to the surrounding environment. The body's cooling process is ultimately accomplished through evaporation, convection and radiation.

"If the rate of heat production is too high, or something interferes with or limits heat transfer from the core to the skin to the environment, heat stress and strain are definite possibilities," Crutchfield said.

Tasks required for work or even outdoor chores around the house cause the heart to work harder, he said. When adding the body's regulation of heat to this process the heart must work more to accomplish both tasks.

The Center for Disease Control lists the various kinds of heat related stressors, beginning with the most critical, as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash.

Staying hydrated and utilizing proper rest and work cycles can mitigate heat-related illnesses. There are several physiological factors that can contribute to heat-related illnesses, as listed by Crutchfield, including but not limited to work rate, age, body size, fluids and salt.

"A low sodium diet, large caffeine intake or drinks that are high in sugar content, and even certain medications, can contribute to heat-related illnesses," he said.

When possible, try to schedule more strenuous work or at-home outdoor chores during the coolest parts of the day.

"When working or enjoying the summer heat, monitor your physical condition and that of those around you," Hayes said. "Stay vigilant and keep safety at the top of your summer-time priorities."