Prevention: Modifications and acclimatization are key
People who know they will be exposed to extreme heat should attempt to modify activities. There are many predisposing risk factors ranging from fever and illness to fatigue and dehydration. Risks can be minimized with physiologic adaptation through acclimatization, as well as making various behavioral changes such as adjusting activities, ensuring adequate hydration, and wearing appropriate clothing.13
Certain types of equipment, such as football helmets, can increase the risk of heat-related illness because they prevent heat exchange; however, the benefits sometimes outweigh the risks. With this in mind, consider modification of clothing and equipment if possible.1
In order to prevent heat-related illness, individuals should prehydrate prior to an event and replace fluids orally in order to prevent a >2% loss in body weight. Greater than a 2% loss directly correlates with increased core temperatures during exercise.1
Care should also be taken to perform regular physical activity prior to extreme heat exposure.1 Heat acclimatization takes place when a person’s body adapts to a hotter climate than they are accustomed to. This process can take up to 2 weeks, but once heat acclimation is accomplished, the person will have undergone physical changes, such as reduced metabolic heat production, which will decrease the risk of heat-related illness.13
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