FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 25, 2014) -- The temperature in Georgia can average in the 80s in the summer, according to the Weather Channel, and while the summertime takes more people outdoors for fun activities, especially sports -- it's important to not forget about taking safety precautions.
"The biggest concerns about being outdoors for the summer include dehydration, sunburn and heat illnesses," said Lt. Col. Daniel Bigley, chief of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Martin Army Community Hospital.
Dehydration, for example, can have negative effects including fainting, life-threatening irregular heartbeats and kidney failure, he said.
"Furthermore, dehydration pre-disposes patients to sunburn and heat illnesses," Bigley said. "Dehydrated skin loses its strength and structural integrity; and this makes the skin more susceptible to damage from the sun. Symptoms of sunburn include painful redness (called erythema) with or without swelling, possible progression to blistering and pain. Erythema is usually first noted three to five hours following sunlight exposure, peaks at 12 to 24 hours and usually subsides at 72 hours. However, blistering, swelling and pain (burning sensation and painful tingling) can be severe enough to require hospitalization."
Those exposed to the sun are also susceptible to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, he said.
And besides the sun and heat, outdoor activities bring with them the dangers of tick and animal bites, Bigley said.
Bigley recommends wearing sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and to apply it 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
"Matching adequate hydration with activity levels outdoors is very important to preventing the development of heat illnesses," he said. "Realizing that certain medications and specific medical conditions can predispose patients to dehydration and heat illnesses is very important. Patients can speak with their primary care providers for more information. However, the key is (to) control hydration levels by drinking fluids, avoid overexposure to the sun and recognize symptoms, which indicate early-stage sun and heat problems."
The Red Cross website lists ways for athletes to stay safe in the summer:
•Get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of your workouts or exercise until you are more accustomed to the heat.
•Take frequent, longer breaks. Stop about every 20 minutes for fluids and try to stay in the shade.
•Many school athletes attend summer camps at this time of the year. Those in charge should reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in the extremely hot weather.
•Dress athletes in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored cotton T-shirts and shorts.
•Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.
•Athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well.
What you should know about heat injuries:
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
•Heavy sweating
•Weakness
•Cold, pale, and clammy skin, fast, weak pulse
•Nausea or vomiting
•Fainting
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
•Move to a cooler location
•Lie down and loosen your clothing
•Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
•Sip water
•If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately
HEAT STROKE:
•High body temperature (above 103�F)
•Hot, red, dry or moist skin
•Rapid and strong pulse
•Possible unconsciousness
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
•Call 911 immediately -- this is a medical emergency
•Move the person to a cooler environment
•Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
•Do NOT give fluids
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