When It's Hot, Pay Special Attention to Medical Conditions & Medications

If you work in the heat, talk to your doctor about precautions. Medicine alerts include but are not limited to: diuretics (water pills), blood pressure medicines, anticholinergic (for treatment of chronic pulmonary disease) and antihistamines (allergy medications); Conditions such as pregnancy, fever, gastrointestinal illness, heart disease and obesity and drug and alcohol usage are become hazards in hot work environments.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. If your doctor has told you to limit fluids because of a health condition, be sure to check with him or her about how much extra you need to drink when the temperature rises. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
 
Pay attention to warning signs
During hot-weather exercise, watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. If you ignore these symptoms, your condition can worsen, resulting in a medical emergency. Signs and symptoms include:

·  Muscle cramps
·  Nausea or vomiting
·  Weakness
·  Fatigue
·  Headache
·  Sweating extensively
·  Dizziness or lightheadedness
·  Confusion or Irritability
·  Low blood pressure
·  Increased heart rate
·  Visual problems

If you develop any of these symptoms, you must lower your body temperature and get hydrated. Seek rest in a cool or shaded area. If possible, have someone stay with you who can help monitor your condition.

Remove extra clothing. If possible, fan your body or wet down your body with cool water. You may place cool, wet towels or ice packs on your neck, forehead and under your arms, spray yourself with water from a hose or shower, or sit in a tub filled with cold water. Drink fluids — water or a sports drink. If you don't feel better within 30 minutes, contact your doctor. If you have signs of heatstroke, seek immediate medical help.