Too Hot to Handle? Get Too Cold to Hold

TOO HOT TO HANDLE? GET TOO COLD TO HOLD

By / Jessica Kirby, Editor

Because it isn’t enough to face a global pandemic, the economic uncertainty that comes with a lockdown, and the emotional turbulence one feels when unable to interact with friends and family, Vancouver’s scortching temperatures are about to bring significant risks to construction workers via heat stroke and heat exhaustion. That’s right: now that the sun is out, it is time to plan how you are going to hide from it.

Heat stroke occurs when your body is exposed to excessively high temperatures, causing its natural temperature regulating mechanisms to fail and resulting in fever or even loss of consciousness. In this case, your body has overheated and simply isn’t able to cool itself down.

Symptoms include:

• A core temperature of 104 degrees F or more

• Confusion, agitation, slurred speech and, in exterme cases, delirium

• Red skin

• Vomiting and nausea

• Headaches

• Rapid increas in heart rate

Left untreated, heat exhaustion can cause your organs to shut down, ending in a trip to emergency or even death.

Heat exhaustion is heat stroke’s tamer little brother. It, too, is caused by your body overheating and not being able to cool itself; however, the risks are less severe than those associated with heat stroke. At the same time, don’t let your guard down. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke if it is left untreated.

Symptoms include:

• Cool skin with goosebumps despite the heat

• Intense sweating

• Fainting, dizziness and fatigue

• Rapid, weak pulse

• Low-blood pressure

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea and headaches

The best way to beat heat stroke or exhaustion is to keep and drink lots of water at the job site. Keep it close by and develop a habit of drinking it whenever you can. Opt for water over pop and iced tea, which are full of sugar and will dehydrate you in no time flat.

Another way to avoid heat stroke is to give Rocky a run for his money and stay fit and healthy. The stronger, fitter your body the less likely excess body fat will cause you to overheat. While you’re at it, put out the butts. Smoking causes a number of underlying issues that can make you more succeptable to the sun’s penetrating rays.

Don’t forget what your mama told you: eat your greens. The healthier diet, rich in vegetables, lean meats or other protiens, and whole grains, the better your body will perform under the pressure of high temperatures. On this same note, get plenty of restful sleep. Enlist a fan and a blackout curtain if you need it, but whatever it takes, get those precious REMs because they are harder to acheive in the heat.

Heading suddenly from one temperature extreme to another causes a miniature shock effect to the body, which has to adjust. The more often you traumatize your body in this way, the more strain it experiences. Take frequent breaks, expecially if you work in direct heat, but avoid going inside to an air-conditioned space when you take them. Instead, try the shade, drink plenty of water, and look after your head. Your head and neck play a huge role in your natural heat-regulating systems because of the amount of blood that flows to these areas. Because of this, it’s job number one to keep your head covered and out of direct sunlight. Your hard hat is a good first defence, but as soon as you have to take that bad boy off, find a hat and use it. Wet bandanas and nape protetors can do the same for your neck.

Most importantly, watch for the signs and listen to your body. If you or anyone else starts exibiting signs of heat illness, get into the shade, rehydrate, and look after yourself. With everything we’ve been through this spring, it would be a shame to waste a sunny day getting sick at home or worse. Good luck and have an amazing summer. ▪