2008 Woodie Awards
Drink water, not beer
By: Katie Martin
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: Campus Life
The weather seems to be heating up and all kinds of fun activities are being planned outdoors: local fairs, baseball games, beach trips, rafting adventures, hiking, and even camping events … not to mention Warrior Day May 9.
Not only should people protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen, they should be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during extremely hot weather. When being active, playing sports or just being out and about in the sun, make sure to drink more water and make an effort to stay cool by finding shade.
Heat exhaustion can occur if the body gets overheated. Indications include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting and fainting.
"In order to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion, be sure to drink lots of water before hand, maintain hydration throughout the activity or day and take a break every so often in the shade to keep from overheating," says Dr. Bruce Wilbur at the California State University, Stanislaus Health Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that "heat related illnesses occur when the body's temperature control system is overloaded" and this can lead to heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke include: extremely high body temperature, red-hot-dry skin, no sweating, rapid-strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Hives may occur as well. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disabilities if emergency treatment is not given.
"Heat stroke can be fatal and occurs when the body cannot self-regulate heat and the body's core temperature rises. Signs of this phenomenon are when a person stops perspiring and perhaps loses consciousness," Wilbur says.
If you or anyone else is exhibiting any of the warning signs of heat stroke, cool the victim down by spraying with cool water and put the victim in the shade or cooler environment to lower their body temperature.
Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Call for immediate medical assistance.
Other contributing factors to heat exhaustion are heart disease, dehydration, mental illness, poor circulation, old age, youth (age 0-4), sunburn, prescription drug use and alcohol use.
"Be careful of heat exhaustion during outdoor events such as Warrior Day, when students can be exposed for long periods of time in the sun. Make sure to hydrate before and during the day in order to avoid heat exhaustion" Wilbur says.
Not only should people protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen, they should be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during extremely hot weather. When being active, playing sports or just being out and about in the sun, make sure to drink more water and make an effort to stay cool by finding shade.
Heat exhaustion can occur if the body gets overheated. Indications include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting and fainting.
"In order to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion, be sure to drink lots of water before hand, maintain hydration throughout the activity or day and take a break every so often in the shade to keep from overheating," says Dr. Bruce Wilbur at the California State University, Stanislaus Health Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that "heat related illnesses occur when the body's temperature control system is overloaded" and this can lead to heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke include: extremely high body temperature, red-hot-dry skin, no sweating, rapid-strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Hives may occur as well. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disabilities if emergency treatment is not given.
"Heat stroke can be fatal and occurs when the body cannot self-regulate heat and the body's core temperature rises. Signs of this phenomenon are when a person stops perspiring and perhaps loses consciousness," Wilbur says.
If you or anyone else is exhibiting any of the warning signs of heat stroke, cool the victim down by spraying with cool water and put the victim in the shade or cooler environment to lower their body temperature.
Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Call for immediate medical assistance.
Other contributing factors to heat exhaustion are heart disease, dehydration, mental illness, poor circulation, old age, youth (age 0-4), sunburn, prescription drug use and alcohol use.
"Be careful of heat exhaustion during outdoor events such as Warrior Day, when students can be exposed for long periods of time in the sun. Make sure to hydrate before and during the day in order to avoid heat exhaustion" Wilbur says.
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