Being active in hot or humid conditions can lead to dehydration, heat illness and sometimes the more serious consequence of heat stroke.
Sports Medicine Australia spokesperson Dr Anita Green says while physical activity is important for overall health, in the hotter months certain precautions need to be taken to avoid heat injuries.
"Heat illness is a serious matter that can result in the life-threatening condition of heat stroke, if left untreated," Dr Green says. "While people need to exercise regularly to stay healthy, they should take certain precautions if exercising in a hot or humid environment.
"Those exercising need to know what can contribute to heat illness, such as high air temperature, heavy clothing, high humidity, lack of fitness and high exercise intensity. They should also know the symptoms of heat illness – light-headedness, nausea, headache, confusion, not sweating, and aggressive or irrational behaviour.
"Knowing how to prepare for heat illness, what causes it and what to look out for will help to avoid it."
Children are at a greater risk as their bodies respond less efficiently to heat, feel hotter and have greater difficulty getting rid of heat from their body.
No comments:
Post a Comment