Fight Off Heat Streess:

Heat stress occurs when extremely hot temperatures pose bodily harm. Take steps to recognize its symptoms and reduce your risk. Signs include frequent headaches, dizziness, and leg, arm, or stomach cramps. Mental confusion can set in—and you may even feel chills. Allow time to recover from heat exhaustion. In many work-related heatstroke deaths, employees lose consciousness on their way home. Prevent heat stress by drinking up to two gallons of cool water a day in extreme heat and high humidity, retreating into shade or cooler break rooms periodically, and wearing light-colored clothes and a wide brimmed hat when working in direct sunshine. You’re more prone to heat stress if you take diet pills, sedatives, or tranquilizers. And both caffeine drinks and alcohol in-crease your vulnerability. Slow exposure to hot environments helps your body adjust. So beware when abruptly engaging in physical labor in 90+ degree heat or returning to a hot work site after weeks in a cooler climate.