Summer Servival Part 3

Summer is in high dear, so is the hat & humidity.  That means you need to watch out for the warning signs & symptoms of Heat Illness.  Often we forget to drink & hydrate ourselves properly & wisely during the summer months.  Therefore, we need to consider looking for the Heat Index while we’re exercising outside.

 

Heat Illness is defined as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, & heat stroke.  And is more likely in hot humid weather, but can occur in the absence of hot & humid conditions.  Early warning signs of heat illness are often masked by general fatigue.  “The first thing most people is they feel tired or lightheaded.”

Heat cramps are involuntary muscle cramps that are excruciatingly painful. They occur primarily in the muscles of the trunk and the lower body.  The cause of heat cramps is thought to be dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes, particularly sodium, is critically important in the prevention of heat cramps.  Once an athlete has heat cramps, you may try icing or massaging the area that is cramping; however, the ultimate treatment is prevention by ensuring proper hydration strategies are in place.