It’s Hot out There – Part 2 – Heat Disease Alert – Symptoms/Risk Factors
Symptoms of heat disease:
- Intense heat buildup in the head, significant headache, general overheating of the body
- General confusion and loss of concentration and muscular control
- Over-sweating and then cessation of sweating, clammy skin and excessive breathing
- Extreme tiredness, upset stomach, muscle cramps, vomiting, feeling faint
Risk Factors:
- Sleep deprivation
- Infection (viral, bacterial, etc.)
- Dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine)
- Severe sunburn, skin irritation
- Unaccustomed to hot weather
- Overweight
- Untrained for specific training session
- Occurrence of heat disease in the past
- Under medications –especially the following: cold medicines, diuretics, medicines for diarrhea, tranquilizers, antihistamines, atropine and scopolamine
- The following medical conditions: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, under extreme stress, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, drug use (including alcohol), cardiovascular disease, smoking unfit lifestyle.
See a physician who knows the beneficial effects of running and fitness before beginning the program if you have any questions about any of the above mentioned conditions or if you notice any significant change in body functions, immune response, etc.
Watch for heat disease in group members and take action if you think they are in trouble.
Take action! Walk, cool off and get help immediately.
Next week I will discuss how to train for hot weather.
