Moving Tip of the Week: Summer Heat

As most all Cincinnati moving companies can tell you, the summer is the prime season for moving. During this beautiful time of year comes the opportunity for many families to move, but it also comes with high heat and humidity. Our movers are accustomed to working under these conditions, and are consistently instructed on staying hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible. Many of our customers "pre-move" some items themselves, so we thought this would be a good moment to elaborate the real risks and hazards the summer heat can produce. At the Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we're not only concerned with our movers, but the customers we're moving also. What follows is an article we found from the Mayo Clinic that pertains to working in hot weather.

"How hot weather affects your body

Working in hot weather puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Both working itself and the air temperature increase your body temperature. To dissipate heat, more blood circulates through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which increases your heart rate. If the humidity is high, your body faces added stress because sweat doesn't readily evaporate from your skin — which only pushes your body temperature higher.

Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you're exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long. The result may be a heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

How to avoid heat-related illnesses

To keep it cool while working in hot weather, keep these basic precautions in mind:

• Take it slow. If you're used to working indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your work ethic. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate re-hydration. Drink plenty of water while you're working — even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're planning to work intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
• Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
• Avoid midday sun. Working in the morning or evening — when it's likely to be cooler outdoors — rather than the middle of the day.
  
• Wear sunscreen. A sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
• Have a backup plan. If you're concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors.
  

Know when to call it quits

While working in hot weather, be on the lookout for heat-related illness. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

If you suspect a heat-related illness, stop working and get out of the heat. Drink water, and wet and fan your skin. If you don't feel better within 60 minutes, contact your doctor. If you develop a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or become faint or confused, seek immediate medical help."

From all of us at the Move Cheap Cincinnati Movers, we hope your move is a great one!