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Page 2
humid, windless day, following a cool spell.
Heat Induced Illness Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration. The symptoms include chills, light-headedness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. The body temperature is usually between 100 - 102 degrees and profuse sweating is evident. Treatment should be to get the individual to a cool shaded area and administer fluids either by mouth, if conscious or IV if the individual is unconscious. Seek medical advice.
Heat stroke may be fatal Heat stroke is caused by a sudden failure of the thermoregulatory system of the body. Heat stroke may be fatal. Some consider it to lie on a continuum with heat exhaustion. It initially appears similar to heat exhaustion, but may rapidly progress to manifest more serious neurological symptoms: disorientation, loss of consciousness and seizures (status epilecticus). The body temperature may be higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweating is often absent, but the skin may be quite moist from earlier perspiration. The core temperature must be brought down immediately. In runs, perspiration is usually noted, and you do not need the absence of perspiration , with the pulse noted to be faster than 160. The blood pressure may be low. Kidney damage (acute nephropathy) occurs in about 35 per cent of cases. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) occurs and the myogolinuria (excretion of muscle breakdown products) contributes to the kidney injury. Liver damage is also evident when liver enzymes are measured following heatstroke. These are the individuals who get "packed in ice." Rapid medical attention is vital.
Hydration: Drink fluid 30 - 45 minutes before exercise and then a cupful every 10 - 15 minutes while exercising. After exercise drink more fluid than you think you need. Especially if you are over 40. Your thirst mechanism does not appear to be as effective a gauge of your water needs as you age. Acclimatization: Gradually build up your tolerance for running in warmer weather. Stay fit and don't overestimate your level of fitness: Individuals with a higher VO2 Max are more tolerant of heat tolerance than those with a lower level of fitness. Watch your health: Make sure you are aware of both medical conditions that you have and medications that can affect your tolerance of exercise in the heat. Medical conditions affecting your heat tolerance include diabetes, high blood pressure, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, obesity and fever.
The copyright of the article Use Caution When You Run In Hot Weather! - Page 2 in Running is owned by . Permission to republish Use Caution When You Run In Hot Weather! - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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