jenk

As many Northwet folk have posted, it's HOT at the moment. (It reportedly hit 90F in Seattle; it's 89F outside my house.) So I thought this article from the NY Times on preventing heat exhaustion at a summer camp in Texas was interesting.

[A]t the beginning of the summer session, campers are given a one-hour lecture on the importance of hydration and prevention of heat illness. They are issued two canteens, holding a quart of water each, which they carry along during their day's activities.

There are strictly enforced rest breaks and a one-hour nap after lunch; campers are lightly dressed, in shorts and T-shirts for most activities; there are shelters on the grounds where the boys can find shade from the Texas sun; they are encouraged to eat and drink enough during all meals; and at night they sleep in air-conditioned barracks.

Sleep soundly they do — not a surprise after hours of activity in temperatures that often top 100 degrees. "At 9 p.m., you usually don't hear much from them," [the director] said with a chuckle. [...] "In the 10 years I've been here, knock on wood, we have never had a heat-related injury."

The writer compares this camp to others in more temperate climes and cites researchers who found symptoms of heat exhaustion common at most summer camps - despite warnings, liquids being available, and so on. What makes the difference? I think it's the follow-through. It took me years to learn that feeling tired, dizzy and nauseous in hot weather probably means I'm overheated and dehydrated, not getting the flu. Kids don't necessarily get that yet. And, really, does having something to drink sound like a cure for nausea?

But. Group rest breaks. Naps. Air-conditioned sleeping quarters. Those would give your body time to cool down and heal. And the kids don't have to remember to do it; it's part of the schedule.

FYI, here are symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness

Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

What to do about it? Rest, cool down, re-hydrate, refuel.

Oh, and just to make life MORE fun, certain medications can make you more prone to heat illness! Potentially problematic ones include: