Tips to Beat the Heat

As we brace for the hottest part of summer, Watco-affiliated nurse practitioner Zach Palumbo shared some great tips for how to beat the heat while at work and off the clock.

Stay hydrated

Always have a cool drink handy, and don’t chug it. Regular sips are more beneficial. Water isn’t enough when you’re sweating a lot. It’s best to mix in a low-sugar sports drink or water additive like Liquid IV to replenish your electrolytes.

Manage your body heat

When the heat index is in the 90s or triple digits, it’s best to take breaks every 30-45 minutes. Find a place to cool off and hydrate. It’s also better to snack or eat small, higher-protein meals when it’s hot. Lightweight, light-color, long-sleeved shirts and hats can help keep the sun off your skin, keeping you cooler.

What to do for overheating

There are some telltale signs for when our bodies start to overheat. Dizziness, fatigue, and excess sweating are cues it’s time to stop and cool down. If you experience these symptoms or see them in someone else, it’s time to get to a shady, cool spot, loosen clothing, and take sips of a cool drink. These steps can prevent heat stroke, which can lead unconsciousness and worse.

Last, regularly apply sunscreen to exposed skin when you’re working out in the sun. And remember, no job is too important to risk your safety or that of your team. Follow these guidelines and watch out for each other, we can make it through the hottest part of the year safely.