Four Ways to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Long hours in the hot sun, combined with strenuous athletic activity, dramatically increases the risk of heat exhaustion for outdoor athletes.
Heat exhaustion is a risk no one is immune to, regardless of age. It’s tempting to ignore the symptoms, but it actually can be quite dangerous. We encourage visitors and residents of all ages to be educated about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and to take it seriously. It’s important to be proactive by taking preventative measures.
Four Tips To Prevent Heat Exhaustion On Your Summer Vacation:
1. Be timely with your training schedules and outdoor activities.
Although it may not always be an option, we advise athletes and visitors to avoid training/exercising during the peak sunlight hours of the day. If possible, intense conditioning should be performed during the early morning and evening hours. On very hot days, training and strenuous outdoor activities should be limited or even avoided
2. Fluids are your friend.
Although the use of fluids may seem like common knowledge, many people abandon the discipline of hydration before long activities in the sun. Not only should fluids be consumed during outdoor exercises, but also prior to attending practices, games and activities. It’s crucial that you hydrate even when not thirsty. Water should be the top choice, and everyone needs to be cautious of consuming too many high-sugar beverages. Stop by our local Rouses to stock up on water and other hydrating drinks.
3. Acclimatize to the heat.
Rather than jumping immediately into intense outdoor exercises, individuals should allow their body to gradually adapt to the heat. That could mean starting with a week of mildly intensive workouts in the heat to gradually become accustomed to the temperatures and humidity levels.
4. Make smart clothing choices.
Avoid wearing tight or heavy garments while exercising. Loose-fitting clothing allows for sweat to evaporate, lowering the chance of heat exhaustion. Invest in clothes made from athletic fiber. These fibers have tiny channels that wick the moisture from your skin to the outer layer of the clothing where it can evaporate more easily. Academy Sports and Outdoors is a great place to stock up on all outdoor and workout gear.
If you or anyone else you are traveling with experience the signs of heat exhaustion, it’s important to seek a medical expert immediately. Save the telephone number of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in your cell phone, and don’t hesitate to use it if symptoms occur.
Using these preventative measures, it’s likely that your chances of experiencing heat exhaustion will be reduced dramatically, allowing you to focus on reaching your goals with no distractions!
