Summer Sun on Tri-Campuses Brings Heat-Stress Danger
Hot weather is a part of life in South Texas, and as the summer sun beats down on the Tri-Campuses, now is a good time to think about avoiding heat stress. One of the most dangerous factors in heat stress is humidity. Short-term high temperatures are tolerable for most people when the air is dry, but increased humidity interferes with the body's cooling system and its ability to perspire. And if we can't sweat, our bodies can become dangerously warm, to the point of heat exhaustion and stroke.
While we must all guard against this health danger, members of the Tri-Campuses' groundskeeping team are particularly at risk for heat-related problems during the workday, so much so that their department has established protocols for dealing with the problem.
"We schedule the hottest and heaviest weed-eating work early in the day, and no later than noon," said Bernadette Berain, grounds maintenance superintendent. "Groundskeepers focus on lighter tasks such as trash pick-up, cleaning and light weeding in the afternoon." "We provide an endless supply of Gatorade and water for them," Berain emphasized.
"We have plenty of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 45, which is the highest protection. Using sunscreen is optional, but we encourage the groundskeepers to use it. Everyone is encouraged to wear a hat, and I think all of them do. Our rule is for every 45 minutes in the sun, take a 15-minute break in the shade. We haven't had any instances of heat stroke because we make sure everyone gets plenty of breaks and fluids," Berain added.
The Texas Department of Health offers these tips for avoiding heat stress:
--Drink plenty of fluids; avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or lots of suger.
--Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15; applying it 30 minutes or more before going into the sun helps reduce sunburn and skin damage.
--Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early or late in the day when it is cooler.
--Stay indoors and in air conditioning as much as possible, unless your heat tolerance is well established. Do not sit directly in front of a fan as this can actually make you warmer.
--Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. If you work outdoors, use a buddy system between coworkers to monitor how both of you are doing. If your heart starts pounding and you have shortness of breath, stop to rest in a cool place.
--Eat more frequently but make sure meals are well balanced and light.
--Consult with a physician about effects of sun and heat exposure while taking prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and some antibiotics, which can make you extra-sensitive to sunlight.
--At first sign of heat illness--dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps-- move to a cooler place, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions don't improve.
--Wear sun block, hats and loose, light clothes to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Enjoy your summer, but keep it cool!
For more information visit the Texas Department of Health Web site for more helpful tips.
© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2001