Information by the Medical Committee - Heat stroke
Lately, we have been experiencing high temperatures coupled with high humidity.
Unfortunately, if this goes unchecked, it can spell disaster for those that are physically active outdoors in this type of weather.
Most people do not know the deadly symptoms for the most serious health risk...
Heat stroke.
Here are the symptoms:
1. The human body cools itself by means of perspiration while utilizing body fluids. The higher the temperature and more physically active you become, it may become difficult for the body to cool itself. Therefore, the body begins to overheat. Your supply of precious body fluids may start to become dangerously low.
Perspiration is a good thing in hot weather, when everyone else is sweating and you're not, something is wrong.
It is vitally important to compensate for this imbalance by hydrating the body with pure water or a sport drink that contains additional electrolytes.
How do you know when you are adequately hydrated?
You are perspiring and your urine is clear and copious!
2. If you are experiencing a headache, you may be entering the early stages of heat stroke. If you are feeling dizzy or disoriented, the symptoms will now escalate dramatically. You must start treatment immediately.
3. If you are around others, check each other for symptoms such as hot, dry skin, disorientation, confusion, sluggishness, etc.
These symptoms indicate the later stages of heat stroke.
If this is the case, call an ambulance, have the individual lie down in the shade with the feet elevated. Apply cool water to the skin along with ice packs to the groin and armpits.
While, training outdoors in warm weather should not necessarily be avoided, it should be respected.
Make it a point to try and stay in the shade.
As the saying goes, dress accordingly...
Wear a hat to keep direct sunlight off your head.
And, again, keep hydrated, that is drink water till it splashes out your ears!!!
Richard T. Herrick, MD
Tampa Bay Orthopaedic Specialists
6500 66th Street
Pinellas Park,FL 33781
USA
727-347-1286
www.tampabayortho.com
