Summer heat brings dangers

By Cathy Spaulding
Phoenix Staff Writer

July 04, 2009 11:26 am

— Not only does the heat bear down from the sun, it radiates from the gray concrete, it engulfs and penetrates anyone outside in the afternoon.
Workers with Bruce Clark Construction know the feeling as they lay a foundation for an expansion of the Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store, 2909 E. Shawnee Bypass. And they know what to do about the heat.
“We drink a lot of Gatorade and take plenty of breaks,” said worker Michael Hood, who had a bandanna around his neck and a brimmed hat. “Just use common sense.”
Fluids, breaks, protective clothing and common sense are just a few precautions people must take when the weather gets hot.
Thunderstorms are likely to cool temperatures to the 80s early next week, according to the National Weather Service. But they’ll rise again starting Wednesday.
People who work outdoors aren’t the only ones who must take heat precautions, according to Linda Hattaway, administrative director for the Muskogee County Health Department.
“The elderly, infants and young children are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. They may not be able to adjust to increases in air temperatures, or may take medications that decrease their ability to deal with heat,” Hattaway said. “Heat precautions are also advised for persons with heart, lung or kidney problems and persons whose occupations require them to work outdoors.”
Contractor Bruce Clark of Checotah, said he and his six employees know what to do in the heat.
“We go out early in the morning and leave by 2 p.m.,” he said. “Usually this time of year, we’re out at 6 a.m.”
He said heat can be hard on construction workers.
“Steel gets hot, the pavement gets hot,” he said, adding that he also gives his workers plenty of breaks and water.
Children at Muskogee Day Nursery have their outdoor playtime in the mornings, said Sharon Roberts, one of the directors. “They play with the water sprinkler and eat lots of Popsicle.”
The Web site for the National Center for Environmental Health says people can suffer heat related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded.
“The body normally controls itself by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough,” the agency said. “In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.”
The agency said high humidity can intensify heat-related problems because sweat will not evaporate as quickly.
“If you experience signs of heat stress such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, throbbing headache, dry skin (no sweating), chest pain, great weakness, mental changes, breathing problems or vomiting, contact your health care provider immediately,” Hattaway said.

Tips on keeping cool

• Drink plenty of fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquid with alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Also, avoid very cold drinks.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Try to rest in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Cut down on outdoor exercise. If you must exercise or work outdoors, drink two to four glasses of nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
• Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people with mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
Source: Muskogee County
Health Department.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email

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