Farmers and others who work outside during summer should protect themselves from heat and humidity, says a safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. If you'll be working and playing outdoors this summer, pace yourself and stop periodically to cool off. Stay alert for signs of heat stress, which occurs when the body builds up more heat than it can get rid of. Depending on its severity, heat stress can develop into heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms of heat cramps include muscle spasms and heavy sweating.
Heat exhaustion is marked by fatigue, heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and fainting.
Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related condition, can result in coma or death. Initial symptoms include altered perspiration, shivering, nausea and confusion. Don't rely on thirst to tell you when to drink, because you can lose a dangerous amount of water before you feel thirsty. Do the hardest jobs in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. Wear loose clothing that allows air to circulate on the skin.