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MCC Daily Tribune

National Heat Awareness Day

National Heat Awareness Day is observed annually on the last Friday of May, which falls on May 26 this year. National Heat Awareness Day is an effort by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Weather Service to alert workers, employers, and the public at large about the (preventable) health dangers related to heat, in order to reduce the overall rate of illnesses and deaths caused by it. This day was specially founded as a reminder that many outdoor workers or laborers are at risk of serious heat-induced conditions like heat exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, and even death. We bring you tips on how spreading awareness about these conditions and their prevention can help mitigate such unnecessary medical emergencies.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY

  1. Chug, chug, chug that H2O
    Dehydration is one of the most preventable things, which, if left ignored, can lead to more serious health issues. Therefore it is recommended by experts everywhere that eight glasses of water a day is a good standard to maintain. Not only does your body stay hydrated, but water also helps flush toxins out of the body.

  2. Commit to protecting the vulnerable
    There are many online campaigns and grassroots petitions being signed to support the need for outdoor workers to have adequate laws to protect them from heat and other work- environment-related health hazards. Read up and get involved, because every voice does matter!

  3. Get the word out
    With powerful tools like social media at our disposal, we can rally our communities (both virtual and real) to spread awareness about the very real risks of heat-related medical conditions that could affect anyone at any time. Train yourself and someone you know to recognize the signs and take action — a little bit can go a long way.

5 TIPS ON BEATING THE HEAT THIS SUMMER

  1. Stay hydrated
    The manifold benefits of drinking enough water and fluids cannot be stressed enough.

  2. Keep your fashion light and breezy
    Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, made with breathable fabrics like cotton.

  3. Slather on sunscreen
    The importance of sunscreen as protection against the sun is never going to get old.

  4. Avoid going outdoors in peak times
    Avoid stepping out into the sun during its peak hours, especially without protection.

  5. Limit your activity
    Leave the intense workouts for early mornings or nights, and take it easy during the midday heat.

WHY NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY IS IMPORTANT

  1. Lobbies to protect the vulnerable
    Several years ago, OSHA began a Heat Illness Prevention Campaign to spread awareness about the dangers of working in conditions of extreme heat. Their petition for change could be boiled down to three simple demands for workers — shade, rest, and water. The onus falls on employers to ensure that their workers are receiving these basic requirements and are being protected from extreme heat and other hazardous conditions.

  2. It educates us on prevention methods
    By reinforcing such basic preventative measures, National Heat Awareness Day brings the reality of things we take for granted (like water) to the forefront and makes us more mindful of our own health.

  3. It resonates with people everywhere
    Heatwaves and heat-related health issues are on the rise all over the world, thanks to climate change. Therefore the message of National Heat Awareness Day is relevant to people across the globe, especially as many nations do not even have access to resources like drinking water and electricity. It opens one’s eyes to the larger realities of social injustice and climate change.

National Heat Awareness Day - National Today

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
05/26/2023