One of the leading causes of a heat-related illness is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body does not get the amount of water it needs to function properly. The body naturally loses water through urination, sweating, crying, spitting, exercising, and breathing. Water can also be lost due to illness (i.e., fever, vomiting, etc.) and taking diuretics. To avoid possible health problems, you must be able to recognize the hazards that can lead to dehydration and know how to protect yourself. Read the information below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to keep your body sufficiently hydrated.
Recognize the Hazards
Environment
Exposure to hot temperatures can lead to a loss of body fluids. Signs of dehydration include a dry, sticky mouth, dark yellow urine, headaches, and cramps. Symptoms of severe dehydration include very dry skin, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and breathing, fainting, lack of energy, and dry mouth.
Equipment
Working in areas with little or no air conditioning causes the body to work harder to cool itself. Likewise, wearing personal protective equipment raises body temperatures and leads to sweating.
Personal Behaviors
Forgetting to drink water or consuming alcohol and caffeinated drinks can lead to dehydration. Older adults and persons with type-2 diabetes are at higher risk and must take extra care to replenish fluids.
Know the Defense
Stay Hydrated
Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day is recommended. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content can also provide additional hydration. If you exercise or exert yourself at work, be sure to replenish those fluids in addition to consuming the recommended amount of water.
Be Attentive to the Surroundings
Monitor weather forecasts for hot temperatures and poor air quality warnings. Plan ahead and pack extra water and food with high water content. Plan frequent breaks to replenish fluids.
Eat Foods with High Water Content
Fruits:
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Grapes
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Grapefruit
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Watermelon
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Pineapple
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Raspberries
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Strawberries
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Cantaloupe
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Star fruit
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Oranges
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Plums
Vegetables:
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Cucumbers
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Iceberg lettuce
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Spinach
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Bell peppers
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Celery
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Radishes
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Tomatoes
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Cauliflower
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Broccoli
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Baby carrots
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.