Beware of getting too much sun
From the air conditioned comfort of your truck’s cab, the possibility of getting so much sun that it makes you sick may seem like a remote possibility.
However, heat stroke/heat exhaustion can be a serious threat for truckers; fter all, you do spend time outside your truck on the road and at home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 675 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in the U.S.
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion and/or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Fainting
- Pale skin
- Profuse sweating
If you experience these symptoms: slow down, cool down, get out of the sun and heat and, if necessary, call 911 or seek medical attention.
Here are some fairly easily accomplished, common sense things you can do to avoid being a victim of too much heat:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and be sure to reapply if you are outside and sweating
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration; plain old water may be the best stuff for you. Drink before you go outside to work or exercise, and drink while you are outside even if you don’t feel thirsty
- If you can, reschedule or cancel outdoor activity so you are outside when it is coolest; early morning or after sunset.
