Prevention Preseason conditioning improves a person's ability to exercise or play sports when the heat and humidity are high. During acclimation, individuals should wear lightweight, light colored, porous clothing and should change into dry clothes as often as necessary. Electrolyte solutions are not necessary unless you are participating in endurance events. Provide regular rest and water breaks. Assess environmental conditions, taking into account not only the absolute temperature but also the relative humidity, which has an effect upon the ability to sweat and regulate body temperature.
Heat illness can affect almost anyone.
If you are outdoors during hot weather, it is important to wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing, wear a hat, use a water-based sunscreen, seek shade when possible and watch for the signs of heat injury. The Medical Reporter is an independent, educational health magazine on the Web for enlightened healthcare consumers. Published solely in cyberspace since April of 1995, The Medical Reporter emphasizes preventive medicine, primary care, patient advocacy, education and support, as well as topics in sub-specialty medicine of interest to men and women of all ages.