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AccuWeather issued a heat advisory for Thursday and calls for similar temperatures today.
A West Virginia University expert in athletic training provided tips that casual athletes — and even non-athletes — can steal from the field of athletic training to protect themselves against exertional heat stroke. She also explained why that protection is vital in the first place.
Today’s high is expected to be 92 with a real feel of 100 and even 92 in the shade. There will likely be afternoon thunderstorms.
“Exercise results in heat production,” Samantha Scarneo-Miller, who directs WVU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, said. “Coupled with environmental conditions, that can cause something called uncompensable heat stress, which basically means that your body can’t thermoregulate appropriately. Some signs that the heat is starting to affect you are increased sweating, feeling tired, dizziness, increased thirst and nausea.”
She said physical activities should be done during the day when temperatures are not so high, usually before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Staying hydrated is also important, as is getting plenty of rest, being well-nourished and working out in light clothing.
AccuWeather also suggests drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors.
“Core temperature can rise to critical levels — typically about 105°F — in 25 minutes for some people,” Scarneo-Miller said. “Here at WVU, I work with our athletic training staff to make sure they all know how to diagnose exertional heat stroke, where the cold-water immersion tubs are and how to immerse somebody as quickly as possible to get that core body temperature down. It’s important to recognize the signs of exertional heat stroke and treat it as soon as possible because it’s 100% survivable with proper recognition and care.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention list these as heat stroke symptoms:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
If you feel you are suffering these or are with someone who is, call 911.
Though Saturday will be humid, the temperature is expected to be just under 80 degrees with some rain. Sunday will see 80 degrees and mostly cloudy skies.
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