Question:
I am the bilingual health educator for the City of Irving
in Texas. As part of my education efforts, I teach our Sanitation crews
how not to get Heat Stroke. My questions are:
Replies:
1. Is it better to drink cold water than hot water when a person get
dehydrated due to Heat Stroke?
2. Are there any colors better than others to wear in outside clothing,
for example our staff wear dark blue working slacks with long sleeve light
blue shirts or Neon Orange T-shirts with Blue Jeans. Do you have a better
color combinantion to repel heat and help in less perspiration.
Replies:
1. Is it better to drink cold water than hot water when a person get
dehydrated due to Heat Stroke?
Although it might seem to the person that cold water is better and we should
never discount the subliminal effects of "feeling better" because of a
perceived benefit (the placebo effect)the temperature of the water by
numerous studies and through computation of the possible change in body
temperature from imbibed water has shown that the temperature of the imbibed
water is of no discernable consequence to body temperature. BUT
physiologically, water which is closer to internal body temperature leaves
the stomach mosre quickly and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal
distress. Lots of cold water can cause cramping and even diarrhea which is
the last thing a heat stroke candidate needs. So, summing up...drinking
water between 70 F and 100 F is probably best.
2. Are there any colors better than others to wear in outside clothing,
for example our staff wear dark blue working slacks with long sleeve light
blue shirts or Neon Orange T-shirts with Blue Jeans. Do you have a better
color combination to repel heat and help in less perspiration.
Light fitting light colored (white is best but you might be mistaken for a
hospital orderly) cotton clothing. White because it reflect light and cotton
because it feels good and breaths. Also a brimmed hat is an excellent idea.
When I am in the desert I have a desert hat which I wet as often as I can
and it keeps my head cool...very important to keep a cool head.
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