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Donna Feldman
Denver Health ExaminerDonna Feldman grew up in New Jersey with a nutrition-obsessed mother who put wheat
germ in everything. She rebelled, but during a college all-nighter, she picked up a copy
of a popular nutrition paperback, eventually earning a Master of Science in Nutrition at Cornell University. She now has a private practice in nutrition counseling in
Boulder County. Contact her at health.examiner@mindspring.com.
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Weekend spectators: know your heat stroke signs
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by Donna Feldman, Denver Health Examiner
Get out your water bottles. Lots of them. Outdoor events + Colorado heat brings risk of heat stroke, and you don't have to be an athlete to feel the effects. Spectating while sitting out in the hot sun and 90+ degree temps can be bad for your health, causing heat exhaustion (bad) or heat stroke (really bad) if you haven't been drinking enough water.Signs of heat exhaustion (CDC):
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
You might also have a weak, racing pulse, fast shallow breathing and a feeling of anxiety.
Who's at risk? Everyone outside in brutal heat, especially if exercising. But even if you're sitting listening to a concert, you're at risk if you fail to drink enough water, or even worse, quench your thirst with alcoholic beverages. Children, elderly people and obese people are more susceptible because they're less able to regulate body temperature with sweating. Some medications, like diuretics, also increase risk.
What to do?
- get out of the sun, into air conditioning if possible
- drink plenty of water
- sponge some water over your skin
Heat Stroke occurs when your body can't produce sweat anymore. You are likely extremely dehydrated, and medical assistance is important. Warning signs include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you see someone with these symptoms, get them into some shade and call the medics.
For more info: The US Military and Mayo Clinic also have information about heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Topics: heat stroke , heat exhaustion , outdoor weekend
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