Page 21 - BULETIN GEOTEKNIK 2023

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HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS?

Preventing heat stress is crucial for maintaining good health, especially during hot weather or when

working in hot environments.

There are some strategies to help prevent heat stress:

Stay Hydrated Get to Know Your Medications

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even Some medications can increase your risk of heat-

if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive related issues. Consult your doctor or pharmacist

amounts of caffeine and alcohol, as they can to understand how your medications might affect

contribute to dehydration. your heat tolerance.

Dress Appropriately Stay Informed

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light- Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat

colored clothing to allow your body to dissipate advisories. If there's a heatwave or excessive heat

heat more effectively. Wearing a wide- warning, take extra precautions.

brimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide Stay Connected

protection from the sun.

If you're concerned about heat stress, make sure

Take Breaks

someone knows where you are and how you're

If you're working in hot conditions, take regular feeling. This can be especially important if you're

breaks in a cool, shaded area. This allows your older or have health conditions.

body to cool down and recover.

Acclimatize

Avoid Peak Heat If you're going to be working or spending a lot of

Whenever possible, try to avoid being outdoors time in a hot environment, gradually build up your

during the hottest parts of the day, typically exposure to heat to allow your body to acclimate

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and adapt.

Fans and Air Conditioning Electrolyte Balance

Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated places Replenish electrolytes lost through sweat with

as much as possible, especially during sports drinks or electrolyte-rich foods. This can

heatwaves. Fans and air conditioning can help help prevent imbalances that contribute to heat-

circulate air and make you feel cooler. related illnesses.

Cool Showers and Baths Know the Signs

Taking cool showers or baths can help lower Learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses,

your body temperature. You can also use damp such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you or

towels to cool your body. someone else experiences symptoms like heavy

sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion,

Monitor the Heat Index or a high body temperature, take appropriate

The heat index combines air temperature and action.

relative humidity will give you an idea of how TAKE NOTE :
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hot it really feels. Be aware of this index and
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take appropriate precautions based on the level PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!
of heat stress risk. 19