It’s getting really hot out there. Ya’ll look out for each other out there, OK?
KIDNEY STONES
Six years ago, we had 2 employees suffer from kidney stones. This condition is extremely painful, and can be life threatening. However, it is a condition that in most cases, can be avoided. Dehydration and a diet high in sugar, dairy, and fatty proteins can contribute to the likelihood that you will suffer a kidney stone. Even though the hottest months are still ahead of us, now is the time to get in the habit of staying hydrated, year round.
I suffered through a kidney stone attack over 30 years ago while building a house outside of Mountain Home, Texas. We started framing in July, and it was hot. We were living on location working 15 hour days, and not eating the right kind of foods. Don’t make the same mistake that I made.
Working in hot weather we should all be aware of these tips to prevent heat stress. Remember physical activity at high temperatures can directly affect health and indirectly be the cause of incidents.
WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?
It’s a signal that says the body is having difficulty maintaining it’s narrow temperature range. The heart pumps faster, blood is diverted from internal organs to the skin, breathing rate increases, sweating increases, all in an attempt to transfer more heat to the outside air and cool the skin by evaporation of sweat. If the body can’t keep up then the person suffers effects ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.
DRY CLOTHES AND SKIN DON’T MEAN YOU’RE NOT SWEATING!
In dry climates you might not feel wet or sticky, but you are still sweating. On a very warm day you can lose as much as two quarts (1/2 gallon) of fluid.
Beat the Heat. Help Prevent the ill Effects of Heat Stress and kidney stones by:
- Drinking water frequently and moderately (every 15-30 minutes — about a glassful). Due to the fact that most of us already consume excessive salt in our diets; salt tablets are NOT recommended for general use.
- Resting frequently
- Eat lightly with small meals several times a day. Meals low in fat and high in protein and potassium are the best. Limit your dairy intake. Do not drink soda and limit caffeine consumption.
- Utilizing the ventilation or fans in enclosed areas
- Remembering that it takes about 1-2 weeks for the body to adjust to the heat; this adaptation to heat is quickly lost — so your body will need time to adjust after any time off, also.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Many cases of heat stroke have occurred the day after a “night on the town.”
- When you can, wear lighter colored thinner cotton clothes & FR’s and keep your shirt on — desert nomads don’t wear all those clothes for nothing!
Conclusion:
Follow these tips above to beat the heat this summer.
Questions:
- How often should you drink water?
- How much fluid can you lose on a warm day?
- What type of meals are best?