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Outdoors

Keep cool and safe

The summer heat and humidity in Florida present several health concerns

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published August 6, 2005

for outdoor enthusiasts.

The postulate of perfectionism tells us to focus, concentrate and keep our eye on the ball.

But for the many outdoors enthusiasts who challenge summer's relentless swelter to pursue their favorite activity, diverting at least a bit of that attention toward their health can have a far greater affect on their day than any level of performance commitment.

You see this a lot on the water.

In these hot, often windless days, anglers preoccupied with finding fish can unwittingly push themselves into the danger zone of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion or all of the above.

Heat exhaustion can range from the simple discomfort of cramps to the potentially fatal threat of a stroke. Often occurring suddenly, symptoms include nausea, rapid heart beat, faintness, low blood pressure, ashen appearance and a low-grade fever (under 104 degrees).

The severity of heat-related illness and recovery time generally correlates to the victim's physical condition. Age, pregnancy and any pre-existing ailments can affect the outcome. But the Mayo Clinic, renowned for its medical research and education, offers these initial treatment steps to benefit anyone who overheats:

Move the person from direct sunlight to a shaded or air-conditioned location.

Lay down the individual and elevate their feet.

Loosen or remove clothing.

Have the person drink cool water (no ice) or a sports drink containing electrolytes.

Cool the individual down by spraying them with water and fanning.

Monitor the person's condition and seek emergency treatment if their fever rises above 104, or if fainting, confusion or seizures occur.

No one plans on suffering from heat exhaustion, but you can plan to avoid it.

Preventive steps include wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; undertaking strenuous activities in the early morning or evening hours; allowing sufficient time to adjust to the heat; and drinking plenty of liquids.

When estimating water needs for healthy, sedentary adults living in temperate climates, you can use the replacement approach (replenishing the average amount of liquids lost from breathing, sweating and body waste); or the Institute of Medicine's dietary recommendations (3 liters a day for men, 2.2 for women).

A popular, albeit unscientific, alternative is the "8x8 rule," which calls for eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day.

Factors such as exertion level, environment and physical health determine each individual's precise water intake needs, but dehydration can strike anyone. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, little or no urination, muscular weakness and dizziness.

Sunscreen is another must for summer protection.

Not only does the risk of sunburn and skin cancer loom ominously over outdoor recreation, but from a simple operational standpoint, excessive skin temperatures inhibit the body's ability to cool itself. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the threat of sunburn vanishes on cloudy days.

Wrong.

Clouds may inhibit visible light, but the sun's damaging rays can reach you even under a gray sky.

Don't think that wearing a long-sleeve T-shirt will protect your arms and torso from sunburn. The fabric of most lightweight shirts, the kind you wear during summer months, is too loosely knit to completely protect skin.

Specialized active wear designed to wrap the body with comfortable, breathable, sun-repelling fabric can provide significant protection, but you don't have to shell out big bucks to avoid burns. Just slap on the sunscreen before dressing to ensure that your skin is protected no matter where the sun reaches.

Heat exhaustion and sunburns are not summer's only hazards.

With a sudden randomness that simply defies prediction, lightning presents one of the gravest threats facing outdoor enthusiasts. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, a groundstroke can cover 10 miles or more and generate 100 million to a billion volts of electricity (TVs use 120 volts).

Stay clear of lighting by following the "30-30 rule."

If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, the danger is close so seek shelter. After hearing the last thunder, wait 30 minutes before venturing outside. Many deaths occur after a storm has passed.

The best bet is to avoid water and open high ground, stay away from trees and other tall objects and monitor the storm's position until it is well clear of your area. Sadly, would-be rescuers often suffer a lightning strike while tending to victims, so make sure the coast is clear.

Now, don't let any of this worry you out of participating in your favorite recreational activity.

Each year, millions of folks enjoy summers in the outdoors without incident. Most who do take the necessary precautions, watch for dangerous conditions and monitor their health.

[Last modified August 6, 2005, 01:36:22]