Dos and Don ts- Heat stress

Dos and Don ts- Heat stress:

  • Drink a lot of fluids, even if you aren't thirsty.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or sugared sodas because they can make fluid leave your body faster.
  • Stay indoors if at all possible.
  • Go to a mall, movie or friend's or relative's home if your air conditioning goes out. See if there are heat-relief shelters nearby for the night.
  • Buy a fan to move air around, even if it's air-conditioned air. But remember, air-conditioning is best above 90 degrees.
  • Wear light-colored, loose clothing. Don't over wrap babies; put a shade over them instead.
  • If you go out, do it early or after dark.
  • Cut down on exercise. Bonanno has shortened his workouts considerably. "It's not even really cool enough in the morning," he says.
  • Stay in the shade.
  • Move slowly.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check on elderly neighbors or relatives.
  • Give pets plenty of water or bring them inside.
  • Tune into weather broadcasts for the latest heat advisory or alert — and heed it!
  • Let outside workers take more frequent breaks.
  • Wet a paper towel or hankie and drape it on your face when you come inside. Other "hot spots" to place a cool compress for quick cooling include the back of your neck, underarms, and groin area.

  • Drink ice-cold drinks; they can cause stomach cramping.
  • Leave any living being in a closed car.
  • Take salt tablets unless the doctor says so.
  • Assume you are immune to heat outside just because you work in a hot environment like a bakery or pizza parlor. The damage can accumulate through the day.
  • Fanatically insist on your usual jogging or exercise routine, thinking the danger is not real.
  • Skimp on water. If you are outside a lot in even 90 degrees, you can lose a half gallon of water in 10 minutes.