Summer is the season we all look forward to — BBQs, beach days, long hikes or just hanging out with the family on the back deck. But summer heat can be dangerous — even deadly — if you don’t take precautions. To spread awareness for National Heat Safety Month this July, MISSION has partnered with the Korey Stringer Institute at UCONN and heat safety expert Dr. Douglas Casa to dish on the importance of keeping cool and safe in the heat this summer.

Mission Dr. Casa
Dr. Casa, CEO, Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut


What activities cause the most heat related illnesses during the summer?

Dr. Casa: New workers starting a 12-hour shift that tends to be physically demanding. Exertional heat illnesses are most likely to occur in the first three days of work. Modifying work-to-rest ratio based on activity and environmental conditions; hydration, and body cooling PPE can help individuals avoid exertional heat illnesses.

 

Can you tell us the benefits of using PPE like Mission Cooling Gear during warm-weather months?

Dr. Casa: MISSION’s cooling products are designed to boost cooling rates by increasing the temperature gradient between your skin and the cooling item. MISSION and the National Heat Safety Coalition have the ultimate goal of improving heat safety in the consumer and industrial settings. These cooling products are a vehicle to get there.

 

A lot of people are choosing to exercise outside since many gyms are still closed. Any tips?

Dr. Casa: Physical inactivity is a huge risk factor for exertional heat stroke. So it’s important for individuals to increase their physical fitness in temperate conditions — prior to exercising in the heat — or gradually increase exercise intensity and time the heat.

 

DR. CASA’S HEAT SAFETY CHEAT SHEET:

1. TAKE A BREAK: Modify work-to-rest ratio based on the physical activity intensity and environmental conditions.

2. WATER ALL DAY: Hydrate and continuously assess hydration status.

3. KEEP COOL: Use body-cooling PPE like Mission Cooling Gear.

4. PROGRESS IS KEY: Gradually increase physical activity

5. KNOW YOUR HEALTH: Recognize health conditions that are associated with heat intolerance like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.

 

Stay Cool and Safe With MISSION

MISSION Cooling Performance Hat: Shields you from the sun

Mission COoling Hat

MISSION Cooling Gaiter Keeps you cool when the temps rise

mIssion gaiter

MISSION Cooling Towel Provides all day heat relief

Mission Cooling Towel

Mission Cooling products available at Walmart, The Home Depot, CVS, Target and Mission.com