Summer heat stress and you

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Drumarie Krusenoski
  • Vehicle Management Flight Commander, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Let's face it, it's summer out there and it's hot. Whether you are working out on the flight line, moving stock in a warehouse or fixing a vehicle in a shop, you feel the temperature rise as the day goes by. That temperature affects your body and your ability to work. 

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the temperature outside is on the rise and reaches its peak. It's during those times your body can overheat, causing heat stress and dehydration. Knowing this, you should minimize your time outside and implement the corresponding work/rest cycles. 

Data shows undesirable temperatures have a major impact on the way one performs in the work place. High temperatures are directly related to the amount of work your body can handle. Even in moderately warm temperatures, people lower the amount of work they do to keep their body temperature from rising to an uncomfortable level. 

There are a few ways to help you overcome the heat stress and still get the job done without any heat-related injury to your body. 

It doesn't matter where you were before you got to Holloman, or how long you've been here, your body needs to slowly adjust to the temperature conditions here. You may be thinking, "I don't need to adjust to the heat, I'm used to it." However, this is not the case.

Yes, 90 degrees all over the U.S. is the same temperature, however the climate conditions in each town, city or state greatly differ. It takes about two weeks for your body to adjust to new heat conditions and your body needs time to adjust to the heat every year. The climate and temperature change every summer season. Our bodies must keep adjusting to the heat it's a never ending process. To acclimate to the heat best, work out in the hot weather and drink plenty of water! This will minimize the heat stress on your body and allow you to be more productive when you are working on the flight line, in a warehouse or a vehicle shop. 

Physical training improves your body's heat tolerance. Your cardiovascular system controls your body temperature. Working out keeps your cardio system healthy and in shape which in turn improves heat tolerance. Keeping your body fit lessens stress on your body when doing tasks in the heat. Also, keeping your total body fat down allows your body to cool itself faster, allowing you to work efficiently in the heat. 

Being acclimated to the heat while at work at Holloman also helps your body out when you are at home on the weekend working on your landscaping, fixing your car or doing a house project. You'll be more productive at home and reduce your chance of getting a heat illness. 

Remember, the easiest things to do to keep you going strong in the heat are to drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and don't overdo it. You know your body better than anyone and you need to help it beat the heat.

Information taken from Introduction to Ergonomics, 3rd ed., Bridger, R.S.