After a string of seemingly never-ending dreary weather, the temperatures in Michigan have picked up significantly within the past few weeks.
With the increasing heat, though, comes an increased risk when it comes to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Many people engage in sporting activities as well, and with football training camps at the high school, college and professional levels coming up in the weeks ahead, coaches and doctors alike are taking precautions to deal with the issue.
The issue of heat safety came into play two years ago when Korey Stringer, a player with the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings, collapsed during training camp, due in part to excessive heat and died shortly thereafter.
However, Goodrich football coach Tom Alward, who is entering his 11th season at the helm, said there was more to Stringer’s death than simple heat, exhaustion.
Around the time of Stringer’s death, Alward said he was suffering from adrenal problems. In addition, he said several football players at that time were taking Creatine, a drug designed to build muscle, and that may have been a contributing factor.
Alward said none of the team members, to his knowledge, are taking performance-enhancing drugs, and he discourages their use. ‘Our young men are not on that,? he said.
Despite Stringer’s death, Alward said he has not altered the way he approaches practice during the hot weather, and also said he and his staff have always tried to practice common sense in that regard.
‘We try to be careful as we can,? he said. ‘We try to practice in the cooler part of the day and make sure they’re free to take water breaks. We look for signs of disorientation. We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve not had any major problem with heat stroke.?
Dr. Antonio DeLeon, whose practice is located at 1221 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville, said those people suffering from heart disease or diabetes, as well as those people who are overweight, are most at risk for suffering from heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stroke include nauseous feelings, as well as light-headedness and dizziness, DeLeon said.
‘It’s common with the 90-degree weather and the humidity,? he said.
Those who engage in sports or physical activities during the summer have to deal with the heat as well. Although it’s commonplace for those who are suffering from heat exhaustion to drink water, DeLeon said that alone is not enough.
‘The problem is, you don’t have any electrolytes with water,? he said. ‘You need to replace the electrolytes (lost during heat exhaustion) with Gatorade or any of the sports drinks,? he said.