Watch out for the heat
Agricultural work is physically demanding, and during the summer months it is driven by crop maturation and the market. Many agricultural or construction workers are exposed to high temperatures during their workdays. With the first week of June being extremely hot, it is important to know the symptoms of heat-related illness and how to prevent and treat them. Heat related illnesses can happen to anyone, but children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases are more likely to be affected.
How does the body keep cool? When your body temperature starts to rise, your body begins to sweat. Sweating cools the body by evaporation. As the sweat evaporates, the blood underneath the skin is cooled and is transported throughout the body to cool it down.
Heat syncope is when a person temporarily loses consciousness due to a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. As the body’s temperature continues to rise, it sends more blood to the arms and legs to cool down and this can decrease the amount of blood for internal organs. This is most common in people who are not acclimated to the heat, usually new employees or right after a sudden heat wave. It can take four to 14 days for a person to acclimate to higher temperatures.
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms or cramps that are commonly caused by electrolyte imbalances. As you sweat, your body loses electrolytes. Electrolytes are used by the body for muscle contractions. The cramps are a warning sign.
Heat exhaustion is the next stage. It occurs when the body becomes dehydrated and the blood flow is reduced. Common symptoms are muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and pale, moist skin.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. It occurs when steps are not taken to treat heat exhaustion. During heat stroke, the body’s thermoregulation ability stops working. This is the stage that can be fatal if not treated. When experiencing heat stroke, it’s common for a person’s mental state to change. They can become confused, have vision problems or become unresponsive. It is also possible to have shallow breathing and experience vomiting or seizures.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.