For those of you reading this in either an air conditioned home or building, you may not find the following few hundred words of any importance.
However, if anyone out there is like me and both, lives and works, in places that don’t have that advantage during the recent above average temperatures, I have come up with an all too brief list of methods on how best to manage the heat.
Now, not all of these will lead to someone at work being very productive — or help get any work done at all — though these tips have certainly assisted in myself not getting heat stroke again.
First tip — stay properly hydrated. While that doesn’t mean a person can’t have the odd cold adult beverage, having too many of those instead of switching to juice or preferably water will find an individual suffering from heat-related illness faster than if someone didn’t drink anything at all.
Alcohol as well as drinks that contain caffeine — ice caps and such included — will hasten the body getting dehydrated and that can quickly lead to a medical episode.
Second tip — take breaks in the shade as often as possible. Albertans are always on the look out for times to get out and enjoy the sun, but there is a need to do it responsibly especially if people are being active.
Keeping hydrated will only go so far when the mercury reaches above 27 degrees (80 F) and one is out in the sun. The body needs a break to cool down during these days, which means finding shade or a cool spot in a building — even if there is no air conditioning to assist. These breaks should be done at regular intervals, even if the person feels it isn’t needed.
Third tip — take a cool bath or shower. By doing this, especially if the overnight temperature doesn’t drop below 14 degrees (57 F), it can provide the body with the break it needs to either get off to a good start or do just enough to help someone fall asleep faster than just laying in bed hoping.
Taking what amounts to a dip in cold water will also bring down the body’s core temperature and, in essence, make the person more comfortable as well as staving off the effects of the heat for a while.
Last tip — dress in cool colours and breathable clothing. Now while this might seem quite logical to do, especially for those taking part in outdoor activities in the heat, it is just as applicable to those working indoors or just hanging out around the house.
Putting on that dark T-shirt or what might not feel like something heavy, clothes that will reflect the sun’s rays plus don’t absorb the heat as well as clothes that allow the body’s natural cooling mechanism of sweat to work the way it was intended are perfect for ways to do all one can to beating the heat of the day.
Sure, following most or all of these won’t guarantee someone won’t have to make a trip to the hospital, but it’s a start.
Taking a few kicks
This past week has been a bit interesting, not like the more normal times when I get the odd compliment or someone says they found my column enlightening.
Apparently, my not-so glowing personal opinion about what people call ‘the beautiful game’ was received by many in the same way fans look at blatant dives and out right faking injuries on the soccer pitch.
Having struck a nerve, it seems there is a need for some clarification.
By no means was I knocking the actual game, I was simply pointing out what had went on in the past to deter my enthusiasm for soccer. And while some of those criticisms I noted have been taken out, there remains for me certain aspects of soccer — mostly at the professional level — that keep me from wanting to watch for anything more than a 30 second highlight reel.
So, to those of you that unabashedly enjoy the game, that’s excellent. Find what you like, have a passion for, be happy and I’m glad for you.
Just take it easy on chastising someone for having a differing opinion, because of previous experience.
But that is…just an observation.