Stay Cool
This Summer
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Know the signs of a heatstroke and how to prevent it
THE ACCIDENT: A 33-year-old landscaper
is mowing grass on his second day of the job
in Houston, Texas, when temperatures reach
101 degrees. While mowing, his coworkers see
him collapse, and they call 911. He is rushed to
the hospital where his body temperature is 108
degrees. His mother tells doctors he is healthy
and has never complained about working in the
heat. He shows signs of a heatstroke, and the
doctors are unable to revive him.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Heat stroke is the
most serious heat-related disorder, according
to the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH). It happens when the body's
temperature rises quickly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable
clothing such as cotton: Avoid non-breathing
synthetic clothing.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts
of the day. UV rays are most intense 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
• Drink 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes,
and never become thirsty.
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
• Avoid alcohol and drinks with large amounts of
caffeine or sugar.
• Monitor you and your coworkers' physical
•
•
•
•
condition.
Eat smaller meals before work activity.
Ask your doctor if your medications and heat
don't mix.
Wear a wide-brim hat – not a baseball hat.
Take frequent, short breaks in cool shade. tlc
presented by:
www.toro.com
m.toro.com/LCE
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J U LY 2013
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