'Heat illness is preventable': As summer temperatures climb, keep safe during outdoor activities
As summer temperatures rise, physical activities like sports can increase the risk of dehydration, overheating and heat-related illness without proper preparation.
Heat-related illness, which includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, sends thousands of people to emergency departments nationwide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Clark County, heat-related illnesses accounted for about 2 percent of emergency department visits during two days last summer when temperatures reached 96 and 99 degrees, according to data from the Washington State Department of Health.
In 2023, when temperatures reached a scorching 102 and 108 degrees, heat-related illnesses accounted for about 3 percent of emergency department visits in Clark County, according to state data.
Melissa Novak Ott, sports medicine physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, said heat illness is preventable.
"A simple rule is to start activity well hydrated, pay attention to urine color and replace both fluids and electrolytes during prolonged exercise in the heat," Novak Ott said.
When temperatures are extremely high, Novak Ott recommends taking plenty of breaks from the sun; gradually building heat tolerance; avoiding exertion in the hottest parts of the day when possible; and wearing light, breathable clothing.
Ice slurries or cold towels provide support to physically active people during exertion.
Novak Ott said children, teens and older adults not yet acclimated to warm-weather activity are more vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke because they have a reduced capacity to cool their bodies.
Women also acclimate to heat differently than men do, she said, and can have changes in thermoregulation across the menstrual cycle and how they sweat.
Anyone experiencing dizziness, nausea or muscle cramping should move out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place. Call 911 if it's an emergency.
"Stop right away, get to shade and drink water," Novak Ott said. "Heat illness is preventable."
This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.
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