HOUSTON – When temperatures reach the triple digits, most of us just want to relax inside or head to the pool. But some people don't have a choice, since their jobs are outside.
Alonzo Conway and his construction crew started working on Shepherd Road in River Oaks at 6 a.m. Saturday. All of them were dressed in pants, long sleeves and hats to protect themselves from the sun.
"I usually have on a T-shirt and it's hotter with just a T-shirt," Conway said. "The long sleeves protect your skin and keep you cool."
It can be a dangerous job, especially when the peak heat index value reaches 109 degrees. Conway and his co-workers drink Gatorade and water throughout their shifts to stay hydrated.
"The biggest mistake I see as an emergency physician is people not getting sufficiently hydrated," said Dr. Ije Akunyili, of Memorial Hermann Southwest.
She said on a regular day people should drink about eight glasses of water. When the temperatures rise, people should drink about 16 glasses of water per day.
"People need to drink to replace all that sweat lost in the heat, but also to take in enough electrolytes," Akunyili said.
If you can't hang out in the AC, your best bet is to head to the pool. If you start feeling fatigued or your muscles ache, that could mean you're overheated. Whatever activity you're doing outside, be sure to take plenty of breaks.