How Are You Staying Cool?

by Anishametra Saravanan

The stark contrast between the air-conditioned indoors of an office building and the open outdoors of a street is undeniable. It’s no wonder that the phrase “Wow, so hot lah today…” becomes a common refrain, as the weather seems to have a personality of its own. One can only imagine how challenging it must be for individuals who work outdoors to cope with these extreme weather conditions and consider heat safety.

With daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur often exceeding 35°C and expected to persist until the end of March, it’s important to understand heat safety – the precautions taken to maintain one’s body temperature during hot weather, as it can help you prevent instances of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

So, if you’re looking to keep cool in this scorching heat, here are a few easy steps you can follow:

Wear light-coloured & light-weighted clothing

If you don’t have to wear a specific uniform or protective gear for your job, try wearing light-coloured shades of clothing such as white or pastel colours as darker-coloured clothing is known to absorb heat. Similarly, light-weight clothing like linen pants helps you stay cool and comfortable when you’re out and about in the heat.

Drink plenty of water in the day

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Make sure you drink plenty of water before the start of your day as it ensures you’re hydrated enough to acclimate to the heat. Furthermore, it’s important to drink water regularly throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Apply sunscreen throughout the day

Another important aspect of heat safety includes preventing extensive sun exposure and sunburn. You can do this by applying sunscreen to your face, ears, neck, arms and any other parts of your skin exposed to sunlight.

Look for shade

When working in the heat, it’s important to limit your sun and heat exposure as much as possible. You can do so by staying in shaded areas whenever possible.

Stop what you’re doing if all is not well

If you start to feel unwell from the heat, be sure to communicate it to whoever you may be with and take a break in a shaded or air-conditioned area. This can give you an opportunity to recover from your symptoms before they become a real issue.

Pace yourself

When exposed to hot weather, try to work at a steady pace throughout the day so you’re not completing more work during a certain period or rushing to finish your work. This can help you avoid overexertion.

And there you have it, folks! Surviving the heat isn’t just about sweating it out; it’s about being smart and taking care of ourselves. Whether you’re working outdoors or just enjoying the sunshine, keep these 6 tips in mind to make sure you’re cool as a cucumber. Stay chill, everyone!