The temperatures are climbing and along with that high heat comes greater risk for those working and playing outdoors, experts say. In fact, the number they say to watch is not so much the temperature but the heat index, which takes into account things such
The temperatures are climbing and along with that high heat comes greater risk for those working and playing outdoors, experts say. In fact, the number they say to watch is not so much the temperature but the heat index, which takes into account things such as humidity that can make the impact more severe.
When the heat index tops 90 degrees, it means it can make it more difficult for sweat to evaporate, said Dr. Bo Sherwood, medical director for University Prompt Care.
“The only way you can cool yourself in a natural state, such as outside in the heat, is to sweat. And you need to evaporate the sweat in order for the cooling mechanism to take effect,” he said.
When the humidity is high and the air is saturated, “you just suffocate in your own sweat,” said Jennifer London, an athletic trainer with Doctors Hospital of Augusta.
Problems with heat stress might not be obvious at first, Sherwood said.
“The symptoms and signs are rather subtle,” he said. It can start as just dizziness or a mild headache, London said. As things progress, the person might become confused or disoriented or just act abnormally, said Dr. Jed Ballard, an emergency medicine physician with Augusta University. That’s why when exercising outside, such as a long run, it is best to bring along someone else who can detect if something is going awry, he said.
By far, the best approach is prevention and that means making sure you are well-hydrated beforehand. London suggests starting even an hour or two earlier, if possible, and not waiting until just minutes before heading out.
What you drink makes a difference as well. It is best to avoid anything with caffeine because that can affect the ability to sweat and causes more frequent urination, which works against hydration, Sherwood said. Alcohol is to be avoided for much the same reasons, he said.
Sugary drinks are also more difficult for the body to process, London said. It is also important to keep hydrating once you are in the heat, if possible, Sherwood said.
“Keep replacing that fluid because you are constantly losing it,” he said.
What you wear is also important, Ballard said.
“Wearing a loose, long-sleeved light or reflective T-shirt will do a lot more than even being shirtless out in the sun because your body will absorb those heat rays,” he said. Wearing a hat and sunscreen also helps.
“That will provide a significant amount of protection while you’re out in the sun if you have to be out in it,” Ballard said.
While the signs of heat stress can seem subtle, such as unusual fatigue, it is important to pay attention to them and act accordingly, Sherwood said.
“Those are the really important early signs of heat stress or early heat exhaustion, which if left untreated can move pretty fast over the course of 30 or 45 minutes or less to heat stroke,” he said.
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or firstname.lastname@example.org
Richmond County cooling centers
Richmond County recreation centers serve as cooling centers and are typically open during the day when it is usually hottest, according to city spokesman Jim Beasley. There is an option to open centers on the weekend or after hours when th