Today, I trifled with heat exhaustion. Or at least experienced some of the less severe hallmarks of heat-related illnes. For the past 3 weeks, the weather in Louisville has been unseasonably great. The temperature has stayed below 90 and the humidity has been below 30%. However, today's high temperature reached 93. In this heat, I ran 8 miles along the river.
After a long stretch of direct sun, I began to feel a bit dizzy and weak. My head began to hurt a bit. And I began to notice some dryness in the throat. It occurred to me that I was likely experiencing heat-related illness. Was it chronic? Perhaps genetic? Was it a result of irresponsible behavior in the wilder days of my youth? Or was it related to exerting myself in the hot sun? There's certainly no way to find out. My guess is that it's a genetic illness. Likely paternal. I believe my father once experienced a similar heat-related illness while running a half marathon.
As I mentioned before, HRI is a serious matter. And, it turns out, it can be avoided. No one knows how, but it can. The Red Cross has a few suggestions for treatment:
For heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
For heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
Oh, and the run went well once I treated my HRI by applying (conservatively) water at my namesake park.
1 comment:
Perhaps the problem is "applying" water, rather than "drinking" it. But don't overdo it -- I'm surprised to read that you continued your run!
There was something witty and sharpish I planned to say, in response to something witty and sharpish I seem to remember you saying, but I don't remember either.
Live from Boise!
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