Extension

Although the tomato plants and succulents in the garden are thriving in Oklahoma’s warm sunshine, gardeners need to take precautions to keep themselves safe when working in the heat. It’s just as important for gardeners to know how to protect themselves from the heat as it is to know how to treat squash bugs.

 

As the summer heat intensifies, gardeners need to be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both can be dangerous and require medical attention. Gardeners with heat exhaustion can experience heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms must be taken seriously, or they can escalate to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Heat stroke symptoms include high body temperature, confusion, no sweating, rapid breathing, seizures and possibly the loss of consciousness.

 

If a gardener begins experiencing these symptoms, the first thing they should do is take their temperature. A temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit could indicate heat exhaustion. Gardeners can suffer from heat stroke when their body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s vital to seek medical attention immediately.

 

To help prevent these dangerous medical conditions, here are a few tips to beat the heat this summer.

 

• Stay hydrated. When working outdoors, drink 2 to 4 cups of water every hour. The human body loses water through sweating, and those fluids must be replaced. Once you begin to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. This is why it’s important to drink water regularly.
• Try to get gardening activities done early in the day or later in the evening to avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Create shade on your face and neck by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. It may sound counterproductive, but long pants and long sleeves keep the sun from hitting your skin directly and will make you feel cooler. Pair the outfit with UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Gardeners who have no other option but to work outside in the heat of the day must take frequent breaks. Go indoors to cool off a bit. Again, keep the body hydrated.
• Sunscreen is your friend. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF liberally and often.

 

There are a number of factors that can make a person more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 

• Certain prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions can reduce the body’s ability to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Obesity is another factor that can cause issues. A person who is obese retains more heat and it takes them longer to cool down.
• If the humidity level is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, resulting in it being harder for the body to cool down.

Gardening has many benefits, so it’s important for gardeners to enjoy this activity safely.