Heat Safety with Lexi Engelbart — Hydration, TACO Method, and Cooling PPE

Heat is the #1 weather-related killer, but most people don’t know how to respond when it strikes. In Episode 138 of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast, Dr. Kerry Reller sits down with Lexi Engelbart of Ergodyne to talk about heat safety, hydration, and the life-saving TACO method. 🌞💧

Key Takeaways

• Heat is serious: It kills more people each year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.

• Warning signs matter: Look for heat rash, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and especially sudden lack of sweating.

• Act fast in emergencies: With heat stroke, there’s only about 30 minutes to intervene—call 911 and begin cooling.

• TACO method works: Tarp-Assisted Cooling Oscillation helps cool the body quickly, even in remote job sites.

• Hydration is key: Pre-hydrate, avoid too much caffeine/energy drinks, and replenish electrolytes during prolonged activity.

• Smart PPE helps: UPF-rated fabrics, sun-protective gear, and phase-change cooling vests support the body in extreme heat.

• Acclimatization saves lives: New workers or returning athletes are most vulnerable in the first two weeks of exposure.

• Heat risk is everywhere: Not just outdoors—indoor jobs like bakeries and foundries also face dangerous heat levels.
  
  

Conclusion

Heat illness doesn’t just happen on construction sites—it can strike at a kid’s soccer game, a family cookout, or during post-hurricane power outages. Prevention starts with awareness: hydrate early and often, rest in the shade, and recognize the early red flags of heat stress. With simple strategies and the right protective gear, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from life-threatening situations.

☎️ For personalized wellness guidance, call 727-446-1097. Contact Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy for a wellness checkup, weight management, chronic disease management, or allergy and asthma support.

About Our Guest

Lexi Engelbart is a Product Development Manager at Ergodyne, where she specializes in creating solutions to mitigate heat stress for frontline and industrial workers. Through Project Heat, Lexi partners with safety professionals and end users to raise awareness about heat risks and to design innovative PPE that transitions seamlessly from the jobsite to everyday life.

📞 Call Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy at 727-446-1097 to schedule your wellness checkup, weight management, chronic disease management, or allergy and asthma support.
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