Wellness on the Farm

Keep Cool and Stay Safe!

By Jessica Schill, RN MPH

Conversations during breakfast might sound something like this right now: “It’s another hot one out there today, the high is record breaking again and the humidity seems to be unbearable. We should be planning for second or third cut. Wheat harvest is happening now and we will need to make some space for straw in the barn. It was about 45 degrees in the barn yesterday.” We work so diligently to ensure the health and safety of our herds during heat waves and dry spells, but often forget the importance of maintaining our own health during extreme heat in the summer months.

Extended exposure to heat can cause several physiological conditions including heat rashes, heat edema, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hyperthermia. Prolonged exposure to extremes in heat can make previously diagnosed chronic conditions worse, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases. Some medications pose additional health risks when there is exposure to extreme heat or the sun. That’s why it is extremely important that as we gear up to spend prolonged time outdoors and in the summer heat, that we take proper precautions to protect our health. Here are some steps for you, your employees, neighbours and family to keep cool during the summer and early fall months.

• Check the weather – always check your local forecast to make sure you know when to take extra precautions while outside.

• Dress appropriately – wear loose fitted and light-coloured clothing. Having sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat also helps protect you during extreme heat waves.

• Pack lots of cool drinks – if you are heading to the barn or the field, make sure your vehicle or lunch box is filled with cool drinks, especially water. Pack drinks with electrolytes, like sports drinks or juices too. If you struggle with drinking enough water, try flavouring your water or add more fruits and vegetables into your diet to increase hydration.

• Take breaks – add extra breaks in your daily routine. Move to a shaded or cool area, remove your gear and drink lots of fluids to allow your body time to cool before entering the heat again.

• Be flexible – if you can, move activities that were planned for the hottest part of the day to early morning or the evening to prevent excessive heat exposure.

• Watch for symptoms – if you start experiencing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, a headache, rapid breathing, a racing heartrate, extreme thirst or changes in behaviour, move to a cool place and drink fluids immediately. If you are with someone who is confused, has lost consciousness, or has stopped sweating, call 9-1-1 immediately. Heat stroke is a serious health concern.

We wish you all the best during the remainder of the summer months and the harvest season. We hope everyone finds some time to spend with family and friends. Stay cool and stay safe! OB