National Heat Awareness Day is observed each year on the last Friday in May. Unfortunately, heat exhaustion and dehydration results in numerous fatalities each year. As we pack up for Memorial Day holiday, start outdoor recruiting camps or find ourselves taking a daily run outside, it’s important to follow some important tips to avoid exhaustion and dehydration.
Here are our tips for you to remember during these hot summer days:
Hydrate – Even if you’re not thirsty continue to drink water so you do not become dehydrated, especially when you’re working or training outside.
Educate – Check your weather app for the current temperatures and heat index (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
Use Caution – Do not overexert yourself while training in the heat, especially during the middle of the day. Try to take frequent breaks inside or in the shade.
Play it Smart – Take heat illness seriously and treat it quickly. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs:
Cold, clammy skin
Cramping
Rapid pulse
Heavy sweating
Headaches
Hot red skin
Dizziness
Confusion
Nausea
Vomiting
It’s also important to make sure you allow your body to acclimate to these changing Texas temperatures. Learn more about heat acclimatization by watching this quick video:
Our performance coaches at Athlete Training and Health have the knowledge and experience to help you reach your potential and improve your overall performance. Stop by and tour any of our three world-class training centers and talk to one of our performance consultants about a free evaluation, so you can start learning more about how to optimize your training program.