Summer's here and the day is HOT. Often times, the weather is great but it sure doesn't feel like it. With the open heat, opportunities for heat-related accidents are much higher. This article will highlight these opportunities as well as give tips on how to avoid and treat these situations.

Open heat - An area exposed to direct sunlight or any other heat source (ex. A toaster, fire, wild Charmander)

With such sizzling weather, I find it most important to watch for dehydration and heatstrokes, two dangerous conditions that can lead to medical problems.

Dehydration

Dehydration is an opportunity in which the body loses too much fluid. With hot weather, sweating while training is a must as it's a natural cooling method of the human body.

Symptoms:
Headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, exhaustion, fatigue, fainting, dry mouth, loss of appetite

How to avoid:
Drink fluids (Water or sport drinks are highly recommended) every ten to twenty minutes of physical training
Avoid training in open heat - Take training to the shadows
Avoid fluids that are high in sodium, sugar, or caffeine

How to treat:
Immediately have the person intake water

Heatstroke / Sunstroke

A heat stroke is a condition in which the body absorbs more heat than it can handle; dehydration kicks in and the core body temperature rises quickly. If one does not find a way to cool off immediately, fatality may occur.

Symptoms:
Headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, exhaustion, fatigue, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, high body temperature, increase heart rate

How to avoid:
Drink fluids (Water or sport drinks are highly recommended) every ten to twenty minutes of physical training
Avoid training in open heat - Take training to the shadows
Be sure to take breaks while training (For every thirty minutes in the open heat, take five to ten minutes under the shade)
Avoid fluids that are high in sodium, sugar, or caffeine

How to treat:
Move the person out of the open heat immediately
Remove any unnecessary clothing
Apply cool water (If not water, anything lower than the person's core temperature)
Notify emergency sources if the person's condition worsens

Now scorching weather doesn't prohibit you from training, athletes can have fun baking in the sun, running around, and moving. Just remember to train smartly by keeping yourself well hydrated with water and avoid staying in the sun for extended periods of time.

Sources:
MedicineNet - Heat Stroke
MedicineNet - Dehydration

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