Hot and humid weather can cause illness
HEAT ILLNESSES
Hot and humid weather cause heat illness in
both athletes
and non athletes. This can be
prevented with
adequate fluid intake,
adjustment to
heat, and normal dietary salt
intake.
PREVENTION FOR HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE:
Before exercising, drink 16 oz. (2 glasses) of fluid,
during exercise
drink 8 oz. (1 glass) every half hour,
and after
exercise drink 16 oz. of an electrolyte drink
(i.e. Gatorade)
for every pound of body weight lost; wear
light colored
and/or lightweight clothing. Do not drink
alcohol, coffee,
caffeinated drinks, or soda pop for
fluid
replacement; take time for rest and cool down.
Avoid exercise during the
afternoon heat by working out
in the early morning or late
evening.
********************
HEAT CRAMPS
Cause:
Inadequate adjustment to hot weather; heavy sweating;
decreased blood
levels of electrolytes; fluids and
electrolytes not
adequately replaced; unreplaced weight
loss from
previous workout/day; fluids and electrolytes
not replaced
adequately.
Signs and Symptoms:
Muscles in arms, legs and/or abdomen spasm
uncontrollably,
accompanied by heavy sweating.
Treatment:
Drink fluids; gently stretch and massage cramped muscles;
rest in cool
environment; apply ice to cramped area;
watch for
breathing or heart problems.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Cause:
Extended exposure to hot and/or humid conditions; heavy
sweating; fluids
and electrolytes not replaced;
unreplaced
weight loss from previous workout.
Signs and Symptoms:
Skin cool, pale and moist; heavy sweating; headache;
dizziness; poor
coordination; mental dullness; enlarged
pupils, nausea;
vomiting; fatigue; weakness; thirsty;
small urine
volume (bright yellow color); possibility of
unconsciousness.
Treatment:
Stop the activity and rest in a cool area; sponge with
cool water and
drink water. You need to replace weight
loss with one
pint of fluid for each pound of body
weight.
May require urgent medical care and
transportation
to a medical facility.
HEATSTROKE
Cause:
The body's temperature control system stops working.
Signs and Symptoms:
The skin becomes hot, dry and red. There is no sweating.
Onset of a rapid
pulse, confusion, dizziness,
unconsciousness,
and body temperature can be as high as
104 to 106
degrees.
Treatment:
This requires immediate emergency medical care. Place
the body in a
tub of ice water, use ice cloths with a fan
blowing on the
skin. The victim should be transported to
a hospital and
may need CPR.
