When I think of hot summers growing up in the Dallas area
the first one that comes to mind is the summer of 1980. When you watch the
weather and they post the record temperature for that date, there is a
better chance than not that record is from the summer of 1980 which posted 42
consecutive days over 100 degrees in Dallas/Ft. Worth. The year 2011 has the most days
over 100 degrees but in 1980 the temperature was in the 90's by 8am in June. I
was able to parlay that first summer working at the age of 16 into a job
working on the asphalt crew for the City of Carrollton Street Department,
followed by two weeks of two a days in August. I learned early on the importance
of staying hydrated that summer which consisted of back to back days of 113
degree weather on June 26th and 27th.(1) Thank goodness it was 1980 and not the
1950's when some of the greatest coaching minds of all time like Paul
"Bear" Bryant, believed depriving his players of water in hot weather made them tougher. This was still 1980 though and not all coaches had bought into the idea of
having water available to drink freely actually improved athletic
performance. Every function in the body requires water so it only makes sense
that staying hydrated improves athletic performance. It wasn't until college that I saw water all over the practice field. The first day of practice I remember wondering if it was okay to just go up and get a drink. In high school we had
two water breaks during each practice. In most cases we got plenty of water but
in 1980 I saw a few of my friends leave practice with heat exhaustion and even
heat stroke. Heat exhaustion often occurs when someone is exposed to high
temperatures. Especially when combined with high intensity physical activities that cause dehydration from sweating and overheating. Heat exhaustion can cause
the person to have an elevated temperature, but not over 104. Heat stroke is a
life threatening medical condition. This is when the body's cooling system
quits working. The body's cooling system is controlled by the brain. It causes
the body's temperature to rise above 104 degrees F at times. Heat stroke can
cause brain damage or damage to other internal organs . On average 119 people
die each year in the U S due to extreme heat conditions, according to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2)
When possible you should avoid strenuous activity in
hot humid environments. Those not used to the heat should pay particular mind
to avoid intense exercise in the heat. Plan your exercise programs so you avoid the hottest part of the day, and drink plenty of water through out
the day. Plan breaks in the shade and take in fluids during your activity.
Athletes and those engaging in activity are not the only ones at risk. Coaches,
trainers and managers need to make sure to pay close attention to staying
hydrated during hot humid days.
Heat exhaustion symptoms
- Pale
with cool, moist skin
- Profuse
sweating profuse
- Muscle
Cramps & Muscle Pain
- Feeling
Dizzy
- Headache
- Thirst
- Nausea
- Temperature
elevated-usually more than 100 F
- Heart
Rate Increased
Heat stroke symptoms
- Unconsciousness
- Abnormal
mental status (dizziness, confusion, hallucinations)
- Flushed,
hot, and dry skin
- High
blood pressure
- Low
blood pressure
- Hyperventilation
- Coma
- Temperature
of 105 F or higher
Mild heat exhaustion can be treated by getting the person in
a cool place with feet slightly elevated. Give them a 1/2 cup of water every 15
minutes. If the symptoms do not improve seek professional medical help. Moderate
to severe heat exhaustion, and heat stroke require medical care immediately. We
are entering the hottest part of the summer. Exercise smart. Try to plan your
physical activities in the cooler part of the day and stay hydrated. If you are thinking about beginning an exercise program and you have not exercised in a while please see a Doctor first
1. www.examiner.com -"The Summer of all-time record.
June 1980 "Desert Heat" in Dallas-Ft Worth
June 18th, 2011
2 eMedicinehealth
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