Summer is here and so are the hot temperatures. Triple digits are expected to be with us all week. Summer is a time of hard work and high temperatures. That’s why it’s important for children, workers, farmers, and ranchers to know the signs of heat stress and exhaustion. What is signs of heat stroke, heat over exposure, or just being in the sun too long?

“With prolonged exposure to the sun and heat, people are more at risk for heat-related illness or hyperthermia,” said Dr. Mark Faries, AgriLife Extension state health specialist.

Knowing the warning signs of heat stress and how it progresses, as well as what to do in response to different levels of heat-induced illness, is extremely important for those in agriculture who spend the majority of their time outside.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse, and headaches.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends individuals with these symptoms to find shade, drink water slowly, and make sure there is good ventilation.

There are different levels of heat stress, and they can quickly progress to heat stroke, which causes high body temperature, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness, and even death.

Individuals at greater risk of heat stress include those 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. State Health Services recommends taking the following precautions.

Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar. Start drinking fluids before going out into the heat. Plan strenuous activity for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler. Take frequent breaks when working outside. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

National Dairy Month continues for the Month of June. A good way to keep cool is by having a refreshing milk shake, ice cream, or smoothie.

If you have any questions or would like to share some of your tips for working and living in Pecos County with our readers, call me at the Pecos County AgriLife Extension Services, 432-336-2541. Make sure you check us out on the web or Facebook.