News You Can Use
Beat summer heat, don't let it beat you
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kenneth Billings
May 15, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss.—As summer approaches and temperatures climb, many people anxious to beat the lingering cold weather and wet spring blahs will "rush to the sun."
Especially in the Deep South, where temperatures can reach triple digits even in the early summer months, heat exhaustion may occur as the human body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. Most often, internal temperatures rise to dangerous levels because of overexposure to the sun and excessive heat conditions.
JuLeigh Baker, a health and wellness educator at Mississippi State University, says unpleasant circumstances from too much sun easily may be avoided with a few simple steps. "One of the main things is to limit outdoor activities and avoid exposure between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.," Baker recommends. "Also, stay well-hydrated when outside by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, before, during and after outdoor activities."
Some other preventative steps include:
- Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages that actually speed dehydration; and
- Always wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Baker says heat exhaustion often develops rapidly and may include a headache, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dry mouth, and dizziness. The advanced stages include temporary blindness, unconsciousness or coma.
To deal with the onset of heat exhaustion, she recommends:
- Consuming an abundant amount of cool, but not cold, water to help begin re-hydration;
- Moving to a cool place and, if possible, into a cool shower or bath; and
- If a rubdown or shower is not immediately possible, paying close attention to wrists and neck areas where the blood temperature can be lowered more rapidly with a cool cloth.
If the victim doesn’t begin feeling better in a short time or shows no significant improvement within an hour, immediate medical attention should be sought, Baker urges.