Heat Safety

Beat the Heat Before URINE Trouble

The heat has claimed 14 lives in the southern U.S. so far this summer. Agriculture, logging, forestry, and commercial fishing workers are exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time on the jobsite. Proper hydration is a simple and effective method for preventing heat illness and there is an easy way to make sure you are on track.

What to do:

• Drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even when you do not feel thirsty.
• Drink before, during, and after work to maintain proper hydration.
• For work shifts lasting more than 2 hours, you can drink sports drinks with balanced electrolytes to replace salt lost in sweat.

What NOT to do:

• Avoid energy drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol. They cause dehydration.
• Limit caffeine consumption.

Common signs of dehydration:

• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Dark colored, strong-smelling urine
• Less frequent urination

 Are URINE trouble?
You can easily gauge your dehydration level by checking the color of your urine.

Stay hydrated and stay safe this summer.

 

 

Written By: Thomas Himes, 2023 CASH Intern

Photo credit: https://healthjade.com/urine-color/
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086