Summer Survival Guide: Staying Cool and Healthy For Healthcare Professionals
2024 has been quite a year, with a mild winter and spring that ushered in some serious heat. It doesn't matter what part of the country you're in now; you're hot. NASA reported in May that it has recorded a full year of higher-than-average temperatures. It's no wonder we're burning up!
Even though many nursing positions require us to work inside temperature-controlled buildings, we aren't guaranteed comfort. Commuting to and from work can leave our scrubs sticking in all the wrong places, and even the best air conditioners struggle to keep up in this oppressive heat. That's why we've created this Summer Survival Guide to help you find the best scrubs for hot weather and outline the most essential summer health tips for nurses.
BEST SCRUBS FOR HOT WEATHER
The best lightweight scrubs for summer are those with breathability and comfort. Cotton breathable scrubs for summer allow for air movement and resist the buildup of static electricity. Other heavy fabrics are great to keep you warm in the winter, but you'll need something light like Urbane Essentials' Women's Crossover Scrub Top to stay cool. Made with 35% cotton for breathability and side vents for added cooling, this scrub top is perfect for summer days.
"The best scrubs for hot weather are breathable and comfortable."
Even the walk from the car to the building can be brutal, so when choosing your summer scrubs, choose light colors that help you stay cool. Cherokee has a great selection of cool, refreshing colors such as Ceil, Turquoise, and White. And if you love a pop of color, WonderWink's vibrant yellow is perfect for those bright summer days!
HYDRATION TIPS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Once you're all set up with the perfect scrubs, it's time to focus on hydration. Hydration is critical to staying cool and healthy, even inside during the day. Without proper hydration, your health, work, and patients can suffer as you function through fatigue, headaches, and even confusion.
The CDC recommends hydrating before, during, and after work and drinking in short intervals. Avoid energy drinks and alcohol, opting for plain water. Despite recommendations from some influencers to take salt tablets, your electrolytes can be replaced by eating meals throughout the day. You can skip the sports drinks unless you're sweating profusely throughout the day. These should be used sparingly but are helpful when you're dehydrated and don't have time to eat a meal.
Staying hydrated on the go isn't always easy, especially considering the Joint Commission's rules against having your water cups or bottles in the nurses' station. So, what are you to do? First, check with management. If you work on a unit, find out where to keep your water and how frequently you can go and hydrate. A water bottle is one of the most essential cooling accessories for healthcare workers, but some units require that you keep it in your locker, so choose a spillproof bottle. You could easily go with the trendy Stanley or popular Yeti cups that are famous for keeping your water cold and lending a hint of style, but don't pass over the Owala, a cup designed for straw lovers and haters alike. Whatever you choose, ensure it fits in your bag or cupholder and holds enough water to get you from break to break.
Nurses working outdoors or those permitted to wear them indoors will love hydration packs. These lightweight, wearable packs keep up to 70oz of water accessible at all times. They're sleek, stylish, and available in various colors to match your scrubs. Camelbak, a leader in the hydration pack industry, creates the best hydration packs for nurses to date.
How much water do you need? Your urine will tell you. Monitor your urine's color for a clue about your hydration. If your urine is brown or dark yellow, your body needs more water. Light yellow or clear suggests that you are well hydrated. The CDC has published a color guide on their hydration information poster.
SUMMER NUTRITION FOR HEALTHCARE STAFF
Eating well is another way to stay cool during these sizzling hot days. While a donut or bag of chips is easy to grab, unhealthy snacks offer little to keep you healthy during a heatwave. Instead, opt for fresh foods that lend you some extra hydration. Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, berries, oranges, cucumber slices, celery, and other fruits and veggies fill and provide your body with an extra juice boost. Furthermore, they're easier to digest than heavier options, such as cheeseburgers or pasta.
BEST MEDICAL SHOES FOR SUMMER
Believe it or not, proper footwear significantly impacts your ability to stay cool. Your summer nursing shoes can keep you feeling light and frisky or weigh you down like bricks.
There are few choices to consider when it comes to footwear. The best medical shoes for summer are Dansko shoes. Their slip-resistant outsoles keep you safe, even on wet floors, while their cushioned, breathable liners leave your feet comfortable and cool. The built-in arch support also reduces fatigue and stress on your feet, leading to a more relaxed gait. In the heat of summer, safety, breathability, and fatigue reduction are the epitome of cool.
Infinity Nursing shoes are a game-changer for those long shifts. Designed with your comfort in mind, they feature supportive soles and breathable materials, including mesh uppers and moisture-wicking fabrics. Their lightweight, athletic styles are just what you need to keep your feet cool and comfy all summer.
BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS FOR NURSES IN HOT WEATHER
Undergarments and socks are as important as your outerwear when it comes to staying cool and comfortable. The best compression socks for the summer heat are lightweight, thin and breathable. Quality compression socks from Cherokee can help keep your feet comfortable. These socks promote circulation and reduce swelling, ensuring your feet and legs stay comfortable throughout the longest shifts.
The 75% cotton blend compression socks from Pro-Motion are essential for those extended hours. They enhance circulation and minimize leg swelling and fatigue, but their moisture-absorbing cotton keeps your feet cool and dry. This helps reduce the risk of fungal infections and ensures comfort all day or night. Plus, the smart blend of materials prevents the socks from being too heavy or too warm, maintaining the perfect temperature for your feet.
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE
Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you when you least suspect it, especially if you've been hard at work caring for your patients. If you find yourself experiencing dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, cramping, clammy skin, or weakness, it's time to take a break. Notify management about your condition, then move to a cool location immediately. Loosen your clothing, apply a cool, wet cloth to your head, underarms, and/or groin, and sip cool water. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or don't resolve within 1 hour.
Heat stroke happens quickly, especially if you ignore the signs of heat exhaustion. This medical emergency can cause death. If you experience a throbbing headache, rapid and strong pulse, confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Manage the heatwave in style to guarantee yourself health, wellness, and a great shift. Keep our summer health tips for nurses in mind as you prepare for your shifts in the coming months.
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SCRUB PRO Uniforms: Two Decades of Excellence
You need new summer scrubs, and Scrub Pro has them! Both online and in-store, you'll find an unbeatable selection with fast shipping, hassle-free returns and exchanges, and unsurpassed customer service.
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Tammy McKinney, a seasoned Registered Nurse, distinguished healthcare writer, and founder of HelpfulHospiceNurse.com, is committed to using her medical knowledge to educate, inform, and entertain healthcare workers and their patients. To connect with Tammy directly, check her out on LinkedIn.
