Gardeners need to be mindful of the various stages of heat illness. Our bodies need to maintain and regulate certain temperatures and when it gets too hot, our health is at risk. If we’re not able to shed excess heat
The California Department of Industrial Relations has an informative posting on heat illness, much of which is perfectly applicable for gardeners, landscapers and others who work outdoors in summer.
“When the body starts to overheat the blood, vessels get bigger and the heart beats faster and harder. More blood flows to the outer layers of the skin from the internal “core” so that the heat can be released into the cooler outside environment. If this process does not cool the body fast enough, or the outside air is warmer than the skin, the brain triggers sweating to cool the body. Sweat glands in the skin draw water from the bloodstream making sweat. The sweat evaporates and releases the heat from the body. During an hour of heavy work in hot weather, the body can easily sweat out one quart of water,” the site explains.
The site also notes the illness tends to have a rapid onset and people are urged to pay attention to the symptoms and seed relief. Symptoms include heat rash, heat cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, as well as many others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides tips for preventing heat illness, such as pace yourself and wear protective clothing, such as hats, and to stay hydrated with water.
Caution: Heat and paws
Credit: Przemyslaw Iciak/iStock
Remember that our pets suffer from heat illness, too. Make sure pets left outdoors have fresh water placed in a shady location. Also, hot pavement burns dog paws.
Paws can be protected with wax, dog booties or shoes. If the ambient temperature is 77 degrees F, the asphalt temp is 125 degrees F. Find routes where dogs can walk of cool surfaces, such as grass.