Working outdoors...

My husband works outdoors. The temperature here in Oklahoma today should reach 108 degrees with 7 mph wind. So he's miserable. What works to keep someone cool while working outdoors? He's drinking gallons of water a day to stay hydrated. Anything else that will help??

If he can, he should soak his shirt in ice water.

I wouldn't advocate salt tablets, but if he's sweating a lot he should probably add a little extra salt to his diet.

Water, Water ,Water, with a Gatorade thrown in every now and then. Frequent breaks in the shade if possible. The wet shirt seems a good idea - he should keep his head covered from the sun. If he gets nausea or dizziness, or cold sweats, he should stop working and rest in the shade - pour water over the top of his head!

A rag or small towel that is wet, draped over your neck will prevent heat stroke. They make special bandana with diaper material sewn in it, that absorbs water. Drapes around your neck like a towel would.

I've found these at Wal-mart in the sporting goods, by the exercise stuff. Soak them in a bowl of water in the fridge overnight then you can tie around your neck or forehead. They work great.

Not just water, but ICE water. Lots of ice. He can also suck on the ice cubes to help keep his internal temp down. Along with all the other suggestions here. And clothing that is as light, loose, and comfortable as possible.

Those rags stay cool? Like I said, he's outside from 8-12 and then 1-6 and it has been over 100 degrees for the last few weeks. I guess we could buy 2 and have him switch out at lunch?

Hi- we make an electrolyte solution we all drink when we work outdoors. You can flavor it with lemon juice, we do because we aren't Koolaid fans, and we use Splenda instead of sugar. You could probably use crystal light.
* 2 quarts water
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 7 Tablespoons sugar
* 1 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid
* 1/2 teaspoon salt substitute

You can make it up and refrigerate it a gallon at a time very easily.

The salt substitute is Potassium, Potassium chloride, you can tell when you are low because feel you awful, kind of wrung out. I buy No-Salt brand at grocery.

they do stay cool, but i've never tried them long term at 100+. they are just a few dollars, so yes, you could get a few and switch out as they get warm. it says not to freeze them, but what about a cooler full of ice so he could get a new one every couple hours?

http://www.froggtoggs.com/#cooling/

My DH swears by it after a week of Boy Scout camp.

1. What does he wear on his head? Most baseball-style caps have only small holes for ventilation. Try a hat with some mesh covering so that the heat will be allowed to escape from his head.

2. Consult your doctor. Not WebMD or Tufts or Mayo, but your own PCP; they can also refer you.