June 21, 2017
DENVER — Given the temperature reached the 90s on day 2 of ASSE, a panel discussion about the science behind head illness and how to prepare for it came at the right time.
“An Athletic Approach to Heat Illness—Beyond Water, Rest, Shade,” included a panel of athletes and coaches that discussed how to approach preventing heat illness in the workplace.
Speakers included: Joseph A. Conrad, Manager of Safety and Training at Xcel Energy, Gabrielle Giersch, MS, representative of the Korey Stringer Institute, Stacy Ingraham, Ph.D., MA, Professor of Exercise Science at Crown College, and Rod Raymond, M.Ed., Owner of Elite Athlete.
The panel laid out an explanation of heat illness, which can be anything from heat cramps to heat stroke, and how the body produces that heat. Essentially, muscle fibers produce heat, so the more muscle mass you have, the more heat you produce. This is why athletes and bigger people produce more heat and are more likely to suffer from heat illness.
The key to alleviating heat stress is to hydrate with a sodium-based water product. The bigger you are, the more water you need. Employers can prepare for this by emphasizing the lunch break as an opportunity to hydrate, as well as create a systemic approach to hydration during other breaks.
Raymond mentioned during the panel that 80% of people suffer from chronic hydration, and things like energy drinks offer no positive outcomes.
This article retrieved from OHSOnline.com
