Ways to Keep Cool

At JL Architects, our family extends beyond the office staff. Our family includes our clients, consultants, contractors and vendors.  In the midst of the heat wave that has affected a better part of the country; I want to suggest ways to keep your body cool and hydrated. I am also including the signs and symptoms associated with dehydration, especially for our friends in the construction industry who are working in the hot sun every day.

As we all know, water is the best source of fluid to keep our bodies hydrated. In extreme heat, your body can lose a ½ gallon of water per hour. When too much water is lost through sweating, your blood volume decreases. This decreases blood pressure which, in turn, reduces blood flow between the muscles and skin. It is extremely important to PUT IN WHAT YOU PUT OUT. For our contractors working out in this heat, please make sure you are drinking water consistently. I recommend Smart Water because it is filled with electrolytes.

 

Another great source for hydration is bananas.  Bananas have high water content and are especially good for restoring potassium that has vanished with dehydration. You can also try watery fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries. These are great to eat frozen as well, and taste just as good!

Also available to keep your body cool are cooling jackets with pockets to insert icepacks.

 

Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include: fatigue, dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urination, dry skin, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache.

Severe dehydration is likely to cause the following: excessive thirst, lack of sweat production, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, fever, sunken eyes, shriveled skin and dark urine.

Untreated dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications including: heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, seizures (due to electrolyte loss), low blood volume, kidney failure and coma.

Please keep yourself informed of the risk factors of dehydration. By being alert and aware, we can prevent the potential harm of the hot summer sun.

Stay cool!

-Deanna Zynn