ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

AVOIDING HEAT STRESS ON THE FARM

AUBURN, JULY 30---The demands of growing row crops and other agricultural endeavors mean farmers will have to work outside during these sweltering summer days. It’s important they take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue in the upper 90s across the state.

Dr. Bob Keith, a nutrition specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, suggests following these simple guidelines. First, farmers should plan work schedules to start in the cooler part of the day and take frequent short breaks. They should wear loose, light-colored shirts and trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Also, Keith says it’s important for people doing physical labor to drink plenty of fluids. That could be as much as a quart every hour or so. Drinks could include juices, sports drinks and lemonade as well as plain water.

"You need to drink fluids all through the day," says Keith. "If you wait until you feel thirsty, you’re already beginning to dehydrate."

He suggests avoiding tea, coffee or colas because the caffeine these contain may cause frequent urination and which could lead to a greater level of dehydration. Also, it’s important to eat well-balanced meals to ensure the body gets all of the nutrients needed. Snacking on fresh fruits also helps replace water in the body.

Finally, he says be alert to the warning signs of heat illness. These include headaches, dizziness, slowed reflexes, confusion, nausea, vomiting, hot dry skin or lips and dark urine. If someone develops any of these signs, they should get out of the heat immediately and seek medical attention.
 

SOURCE: Dr. Bob Keith, Extension nutrition specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3273.