What about  HEAT STRESS

“Heat illness i’s caused by the inadequate ability of the body to compensate for hot conditions. It’s particularly bad on humid days and if you are unable to sweat adequately.”

Let’s see how much you know about heat illness.

True or false;

Q -  Soft drinks, including sports drinks, are the best way to hydrate when you are working outside?

A - “ The best fluid to drink is water. There is nothing better than cold water in preventing dehydration.”

Q - Exposure to heat illness is not a problem with younger workers?

A - “All people can experience heat stress or heat stroke. It certainly helps to be fit to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion but it’s not complete protection.”

Q - Your medicine may make you more susceptible to heat illness?

A –“Medications both OTC medications and prescription medications can lower your tolerance to heat. The most common ones we think about are antihistamines. Everybody is taking antihistamines but they actually decrease the amount that we sweat.”

Q - To keep hydrated, it’s important to drink your water all at once?

A - “ The best protection against heat exhaustion or heat stroke is to stay well hydrated. And it’s better to stay well hydrated than trying to play catch up. So that means it’s important to drink fluids through the day rather than right before practice or just when you get really thirsty.”

So, how did you do? Here are a few more facts about heat illness. The early warning signs of heat illness include headache, muscle cramps and unusual fatigue. Some of the more serious symptoms include unusual behavior, nausea/vomiting, weakness, excessive sweating or hot dry skin, and fainting. If you’ve been inactive over the past few days or are returning to practice after being sick, your body needs time to adjust so gradually increase your exposure to the heat. Take regular breaks in cooler shady areas when possible and watch out for each other.