Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-07-11
HOW TO WORK IN HOT WEATHER

New York Independent.
At this season, when severe labor in
the field is necessity with farmers and
their employees, it is in order to raise
few cautionary signals. 1t is not wise
to oyerwork at any time, especially
when the mercury is in the nineties and
the heat and humidity extreme. The
cases of sunstroke are comparatively
rare on the farm, yet they do occur (and
more frequently of late years., and
many instances of suddenly fatal or
wasting sickness from severe labor dur
ing great heat, are reported every sum
mer. Hence it becomes farmers and
other outdoor workers, whether in town
or country, to take every precaution
against undue exposure, and the obServ-
ance of sanitary laws is the only safe
guard. Whenever the temperature OF
air exceeds that of the body, there is
danger to those who continue at hard
labor; and such as persist are liable to
suffer, if not die, in consequence of their
recklessness. In all such cases caution
is the parent of safety.
An attack of SunstrOke generally oc-
ours without any special warning, and
hence the necessity of prompt action
whenever one is Frustrated. Every one
should avoid the use of liquors and be
very cautious in drinking ice-water.-
Great injury often results from the i'm
moderate use of cold water when the
system is oyerheated, and it is averred
that great majority of the fatal cases
of sunstroke in cities occur with persons
of Incorporate habits. Those who have
ice, as many farmers do of late years
and it is great blessing when properly
used-shOuld take the precautiOn before
drinking to temper the ice-water with
warmer water, especially in the harvest
field, or elsewhere when Overheated.-
Most of the glutinous and saccharine
preparations for field drinking such as
molasses, ginger, cider, etc.-have no
tendency to allay thirst, and frequently
cause diarrhea and bowel complaints.
There are plenty of better beverages,
one of the very best of which is oatmeal
water 1t is cheap and easily prepared.
Put oatmeal in water, let it stand few
hours, and then shake it up. A piece
of ice in it will do no harm and it may
be sweetened little, if preferred. 1t is
safe and healthful beverage.
All farmers who can do so should
avoid heavy work during the heat of the
day, doing the lighter labor then, and
taking a long incoming" Whenever
one feels weakness or proStration sud
denly coming over him, while working
afield in very hot weather, it is generally
warning which should be needed i'm
mediately The wisest course is to stop
work at once, rest, and employ proper
means to recuperate the system. In
case of actual sunstroke the patient
should be placed in as cool and comfort
able position as possible, and ice or
ice water applied to the head without
delay, while good physician is being
summoned. The chest should also be
bathed with cool water and mustard
plasters applied to the feet and calves of
the legs. In such cases delays are dan
gerous, while prompt and decisive ac-
tion often saves the life of the pros
trated
Another relief to hard work in hot
weather is good lunch about o'clock
PM. This will help the haying, harvest
ing and hOeing hands, and promote
health and harmony. 1t braces up the
inner man and outer muscles at time
when there is most need of strength and
endurance