As much as we love the summer sun and heat, it can be dangerous for us as well. Too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and too much heat can lead to heat exhaustion or worse - heat stroke. While you don’t think about the potential of developing a heat-related illness in your cool air-conditioned cab, as soon as you leave your cab you put yourself at risk. Heat-related illnesses can happen to anyone, including truckers on the road or at home.
From 2006 to 2010 the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 3,330 deaths caused by heat-related illnesses within the United States. Not only does exposure to extreme heat lead to heat-related illnesses, it can exacerbate preexisting conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. It is important to know the common signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and know what to do if you experience any of the symptoms.
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Abdominal or muscle cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Dark-colored urine (this is a sign of dehydration)
- Fainting
- Cool, pale, and clammy skin
- Profuse sweating
If you experience any or all of these symptoms, it is important to take a break. Your body is telling you to slow down, cool down, and get out of the sun and heat. It’s best to take a break before your symptoms get worse and need medical attention. If necessary, call 911 in severe cases.
Heat illnesses come in several forms ranging in severity. Heat-related illnesses include:
- Heat cramps – Commonly occur in muscles after exercise because sweating causes the body to lose water and electrolytes.
- Heat syncope (fainting) – Fainting occurs because heat causes blood vessels to dilate causing body fluids to move to the legs leading to low blood pressure.
- Heat exhaustion – Often occurs when a person is working or exercising in a hot environment and does not drink enough liquids to replace the lost liquids due to sweating.
- Heat stroke – Is the most severe form of heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its own temperature leading to a temperature of 105oF or higher.
While it may be hard to avoid working outside on hot days, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, you can use these common sense tips to help you avoid any illnesses:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and breathable clothing.
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. While you should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, many sports nutritionists recommend you drink half your body weight in ounces a day, especially if you are a heavy sweater or exercising in the heat. Adding salt and electrolytes are good too.
- Try to work outside either in the early morning or after the sunset if possible to avoid the hottest portions of the day.
Heat-related illnesses not only affect humans but pets. If your copilot is of the furry four-legged variety, it is essential to know the signs of heat-related illnesses in pets. Dogs and cats are equally prone to heat exhaustion and stroke. Some dogs are more prone to heat-related illnesses due to their age, weight, and breed. Dogs with short snouts and breeds with thick coats should be monitored more carefully. Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets include:
- Body temperature above 103oF (heat stroke occurs above 106oF)
- Intense panting
- Disorientation, confusion, or dizziness
- Pet may not want to stand up
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Rapid pulse
- Seizures
If your pet displays any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Meanwhile you can give your pet water and a cool place to rest. You can also wrap a towel soaked in cool (not ice) water around your pet’s neck to help with the cooling process. Never leave your pet inside a hot car!
Summertime is meant to be fun and enjoyed. However, too much sun and heat can be dangerous to both you and your pets. Remember to take precautions and know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kullez/