Heat stress can take a serious toll on someone’s health. One serious symptom of heat stress is dehydration. Here are some tips to help keep yourself hydrated and safe in the heat this summer.
Hydrate Before Work:
Being hydrated before you start work makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. Beginning work dehydrated makes it more difficult to catch up later in the day.
Hydrate During Work:
Drink before you feel thirsty, once you feel thirsty, you’re already behind in fluid replacement. Dehydration is the primary contributor to heat exhaustion, affecting your work performance. When working in the heat, drink at least one cup of water every 15-20 minutes. Do not drink more than 48 ounces per hour, drinking too much water or other fluids can cause a medical emergency.
Hydrate After Work:
Most people need several hours to drink enough fluids to replace what they have lost through sweat. The sooner you get started, the less strain you place on your body from dehydration. Chronic dehydration increases the risk for multiple medical conditions.
What To Avoid:
Avoid drinking energy drinks, they contain much more caffeine than standard servings, such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks. Drinking several energy drinks per day can raise your caffeine levels enough to affect your heart