Whether your job requires you to be outside, performing manual labor, or you’re a gardening enthusiast who loves growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables, safety is important. Exerting yourself during the hottest part of the year can be quite dangerous. Learn more about some of the do’s and don’ts of working outside when temperatures are at their highest point.
Do: Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Hydration is not optional when you’re working outside in the heat. Sweating is your body’s natural method of cooling itself when your temperature rises, but it depletes the fluid and electrolytes your body needs. To make things even more troubling, once you dehydrate, your risk of heat exhaustion increases significantly.
Start drinking water before your outside work begins. This gives your body a surplus of fluid. It’s also important to regularly hydrate throughout the day to replace what’s depleted while you’re working.
Don’t: Wait for Symptoms to Take a Break
Heat exhaustion can come on quickly, which is why it’s important to take breaks before you start experiencing symptoms. By the time you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or weak, your body is already starting to succumb to the heat.
Plan rest breaks in advance, and identify shaded, cool areas where you can go to rest for a few minutes. This is especially important during the hottest part of the day. If necessary, use a timer to remind yourself to take periodic breaks to rehydrate and let your body recover.
Do: Dress for the Weather
The clothes that you wear while you’re working outside can be a great resource or a huge detriment. At your job, you may be limited when it comes to your apparel, but if you’re working in your garden or lawn, you can wear whatever works best to keep you comfortable and safe in the heat.
While it’s smart to wear clothes that protect you from the UV rays, avoid anything that will raise your temperature. Wear breathable materials, wide-brimmed hats, and other summer-friendly options.
Don’t: Ignore Signs of Overheating
Your body will tell you when it’s in danger of overheating, but it’s up to you to listen to what it’s saying. From muscle cramps to blurred vision, the symptoms of heat exhaustion vary, and they can all come on quickly. Continuing to work through these symptoms can lead to a wide range of issues, including heat stroke.
Be mindful of what’s going on with your body. If something doesn’t feel right, go to a shady spot, and give yourself time to recover.
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