Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1889-08-02
NO. SO
How to Work in Hot Weather.

Al this season. when severe labor IN the
4 field is a necessity with farmers and their
4 employees. IT Is order to raise few eau.
. tionary signals. II is not wise 20 over
+ work at any time. especially when the
mercury is in the nineties and the heat vu1
humidity extreme. The cases Of sunstroke
4 are comparatively rare on the farm. yet
4 they DO occur (anj more frequently Of late
t years., and many instances Of sudden fatal
and wasting sickness from severe labor
during great heat, are reported every sum
mer. Hence it bchooves farmers and other
outdoor workers, whether in town or
country. To take every precaution against
undue exposure. and the observance Of san
itary laws is the only safeguard. When
ever the temperature of the air exceeds
that of the body. there is danger 10 those
who continue at hard labor. and such as
persist are liable to suffer, if not die. in
consequence of their reckles,ness. In all
such cases caution is the parent of safety.
An attack Of sunstroke generally occurs
without any special warning, and hence the
necessity Of prompt action whenever one
I is prostratcd. Every one should avoid the
use Of liquors and be very cautious in the
/ drinking of ice-water Great injury often
results from the immoderate use of cold
water when the system is oyerheated and
/ it is averred that a great majority Of the
! fatal cases of sunStroke in cities occur with
! people of incorporate habits. Those who
/ have ice, as many farmerssdo late years
| and it is great blessing when properly
used-should take the preeaution before
| drinking to temper the ice-water with
warmer water, especially in the harvest
/ field. or elsewhere when overheatei. Most
| of the glutinous and saccharine prepara-
| tions for field drinking-such as molaSses.
| ginger. cider. etc.,-have no tendency to
/ allay thirst. and frequently cause darrhwa
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 wa
ter. let it stand few hours, and then shake
it up. \ piece of ice in it will do harm
and it may be swcetened little, if prefer
red 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 work then. and taking
long incoming Whenever one feels
weakness or prostration suddenly coming
over him, while working afield in very hot
weather it is generally warning which
should be needed Immediately. The wis
est course is to stop work at once, rest and
employ means to recuperate the system.
In case of actual sunstroke the patient
should he placed in a cool and comforta-
Bile position as possible. and ice or ice
water applied to the head without delay.
while a 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 dangerous while prompt and
decisive action often saves the lite Of the
prostrated.
Another relief to hard work in hot
weather is a good lunch about ) p. m. This
will help the haying, harvesting and hoe
ing hands, and promote health and harmo-
ny. 1t braces up in the inner man and
outer muscles at a time when there is most
need of strength and endurance.