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Health won't save you from heat exhaustion
by Clipper
Jul 04, 2005 | 170 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print
BOUNTIFUL -- Exercise and hot summer days are a bad combination even if you are young and healthy. "The two types of heat exhaustion are older people without air conditioning and healthy people who exercise in the middle of the day," says emergency room doctor William Sheffield, from Davis Hospital and Hospital and Medical Center. "You should drink half to a full liter of water 30-60 minutes before you exercise. During the exercise period you should drink a third to half a liter of water every 20-30 minutes," said Sheffield.

"Watch out for lightheadness and dizziness or a feeling like you are going to pass out. These symptoms usually come before you stop perspiring," said Sheffield. "Once this happens, get in the shade and drink cool water."

Davis County sports experts have already learned that lesson.

"The best thing to do is to keep an eye on the temperatures and work out earlier in the mornings and in the evenings. We try to stay out of the heat," says Russ Jones head football coach at Woods Cross High.

"When you have finished running, don't sit and wait. Go take a shower to bring your temperature back down," said Jones.

Jones has fluids available at all times for his team. They are trained to constantly pour water on their heads and faces to keep cool.

"Some of the teammates will develop cramps because they are sweating so much and so fast. It can be a challenge keeping up on fluids," said Jones. "We have them eat bananas and drink a sports drink to help with the cramps."

Sheffield also emphasizes the need for fluids.

"If you are going to be out exercising for a long time take a sports drink with you," said Sheffield. "If the temperature is above 95 degrees don't go out during the hours between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m."

"Most of the people I see are between their late teens and up to 40 years old," said Sheffield. "They are the ones who think they are invincible and don't take the precautions they need to," said Sheffield.

"Very few of them have to stay overnight, but occasionally we have people who over exert themselves, which causes muscle breakdown, and they need to be admitted," Sheffield said.

On hot weeks, Sheffield sees about three to four patients with heat exhaustion. He estimates that medical clinics see even more.

"When they come in we will give them IV fluids and hydrate them," said Sheffield.

"We should drink eight tall glasses of water a day. It is always a good idea to stay hydrated," he emphasized. "Most of us don't drink enough water."
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