spotted skin. The victim becomes extremely weak and 

 may lose consciousness, but with rapid, strong pulse. 

 If not treated immediately, it can lead to convulsions, 

 brain damage, and death. 



First Aid 



Put the person in a cool or shady area, and fan them 

 to promote cooling. An air conditioned tractor cab 

 may be just what the doctor ordered. Remove the 

 victim's clothing, and sponge the skin with cool water. 

 Call an ambulance immediately. 



Prevention Is the Best Medicine 



WTio is a prime target'!* Overweight and elderly 

 persons, small children, diabetics, alcoholics and drug 

 users, people with high blood pressure, and people 

 taking certain medications. Precautions should be 

 taken when working in hot. humid environments such 

 as in the field or in hot, confined spaces with poor 

 ventilation. 



Heat stroke can be largely avoided by following 

 basic health and safety practices. Get enough sleep 

 every night. Your body needs adequate rest, and this is 

 especially true for farm-workers and others who do 

 manual labor. Eat a good breakfast before going to 

 work. Like a tractor, our bodies need fuel to function 

 properly. 



Dress appropriately for the warm \v eather. A long- 

 sleeved shirt, long pants, and wide bnmmed hat give 

 the best protection from the sun. Clothes made of 

 cotton are cool and allow air to circulate on the skin's 

 surface. 



Drink plenty of water during the cay. Our bodies 

 lose water from sweating, and the w ater lost must be 

 replaced constantly. Provide an adequate water supply 

 in the field, and take breaks often to ge; a drink. If you 

 are feeling thirsty, you have waited too long. It is best 

 to carry a water bonle with you. Do not drink beer or 

 other alcoholic beverages; the alcohol actually 

 dehydrates your body. 



Take breaks to cool off and rest. This will extend 

 your energy and will actually increase the amount of 

 work done each day. If you feel dizzy, weak, or 

 overheated, stop working and go to a cool place. Sit or 

 lie down, drink water, and wash your face with cool 

 water. If you do not feel better soon, notify your boss 

 or supervisor so you can be treated properly. 



We can always find excuses for failing to take all 

 these preventive measures. But remember, it is as 

 much your responsibility to protect >ourself, as it is 

 your employer's. Everyone should be aware of the 

 conditions that cause heat stress and do what is 

 necessary to prevent it, and know ho\'. to deal with its 

 symptoms. 



As farm workers, we need strong, healthy bodies 

 to v\ork. We should strive to keep them in top shape. 



*1^ *1^ ^1* ^1^ *1^ 

 ^j^ ^J^ ^j^ #y* #^ 



Fruit Notes, Volume 68, Spring, Summer, & Fall, 2003 



21 



