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During the summer months, it's important to exercise caution when exposed the sun and warmer temperatures. Following these simple precautions will ensure a safe summer.
Summer is the time of the year we’ve been waiting for, and we’re likely to spend more time outdoors exercising, thus increasing our exposure to the suns rays and the hotter temperatures. To protect yourself and family from dehydration and heat stroke, take appropriate precautions. Heat related diseases can be very harmful if not addressed immediately. Dehydration:Causes for dehydration include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and occasionally drugs; but heat related dehydration is due to overexposure to the sun and/or extreme temperatures. Each day we lose fluid through excretion, breathing, sweating and tears. We generally replace these fluids by drinking liquids and eating foods that contain water. When experiencing dehydration symptoms can include:
Children may also experience:
If caught early enough, dehydration may be treated at home under a doctor’s guidance. For mild cases, fluids such as sports drinks are appropriate for restoring body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance. More serious cases of dehydration should be treated as medical emergencies and hospitalization may be required. Precautions:
Heat stroke (sun stroke)Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life threatening. It results from long exposure to extreme sun and heat when a person does not sweat enough to lower their body temperature. The condition can develop quickly and requires medical attention immediately. Our bodies produce heat, which is generally dissipated through our skin and sweating. However under some circumstances such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activities in the sun/heat our system may not dissipate the heat quickly enough, causing our body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke if a person cannot sweat enough to cool his body. When experiencing heat stroke symptoms may include:
Heat stroke is very serious and can cause permanent damage to internal organs or result in death. If someone is stricken with heat stroke,
Precautions: Follow precautions for dehydration and:
Be safe, be smart, stay hydrated and enjoy your summer!
The copyright of the article Heat Related Diseases in Fitness is owned by Chris Christian. Permission to republish Heat Related Diseases in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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