August 22, 2005-- Although the beginning of the school year signals fall, it’ll still be summer weather for weeks to come. Heat exhaustion can occur in people who work or exercise outdoors in excessively hot, humid weather. It is more common in the elderly, but can affect those of all ages, including physically fit individuals. Several U.Va. faculty members can describe the body’s reactions and precautions or actions to take if and when the sun takes its toll.

Professor Glenn Gaesser, director of the kinesiology program at U.Va.’s Curry School of Education, says the heat index (the temperature plus relative humidity) is the biggest factor to consider. When that figure hits 90 degrees, he likens it to the yellow light for caution. If it gets up to 100 degrees, it’s best not to engage in strenuous activity outdoors. The best defense is to stay hydrated — drink cool water or sports drinks, and avoid caffeinated drinks, including sodas and iced tea.
• Contact Gaesser by phone: (434) 924-3543 or by e-mail: gag2q@virginia.edu

Dr. William Brady, associate professor and vice-chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine, also stresses that alcohol, recreational drugs and some medications lessen the body’s ability to dissipate heat, so they should be avoided or, in the latter case, taken into account by those who’ll be out in the sun. Other risk groups he mentions include outdoor workers, endurance athletes and even students practicing, say, ROTC drills. He also adds that no one should stay in a vehicle with windows up, as the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise to 120 degrees.
• The best way to contact Brady is on his cell phone at (434) 465-1816.

As the medical director of U.Va. Sports Medicine, Dr. John MacKnight, educates athletes on how to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and the more serious condition of heat stroke, which can quickly become life threatening. Dizziness, fatigue or muscle cramps are early indicators that it’s time to take a break. Nausea or vomiting, a fever, lack of sweating, confusion or altered consciousness are more serious symptoms. A person experiencing these symptoms should definitely stop the strenuous activity, seek cool surroundings or shade and try to lower body temperature by putting cool, wet cloths on the neck, armpit or groin area.
• MacKnight can be reached by e-mail: jm9m@virginia.edu, at University Physicians-Internal Medicine, (434) 924-2472, or Sports Medicine, (434) 982-5450.