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Apr 22

Simple steps to stay healthy during outdoor sporting events – Florida Times-Union

How to lose weight safely Comments Off on Simple steps to stay healthy during outdoor sporting events – Florida Times-Union

Spring and summer time go hand in hand with outdoor fun, sporting events and other family activities.

The summer is also known as trauma season for emergency departments as Florida temperatures rise and children are out of school.

But there are simple precautions you can take especially when going to outdoor events such as The Players Championship.

1. Stay hydrated. Heat illnesses are serious and can cause your organs to shut down if severe enough. Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water or sports drinks. Some events will have bottled water or water stations to fill your own water bottles. The key is to stay hydrated to replenish sodium and other electrolytes you lose when sweating.

2. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Light-weight, loose fitting clothes with light colors and hats also help to keep you cool.

Many activities involve a lot of walking. But be sure to wear proper tennis or walking shoes. High heels can lead to falls and broken ankles while flip flops or sandals can invite insect bites and sunburns on your feet.

3. Continuously apply sunscreen. Keep sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, on throughout the day and be sure to reapply every two hours to maintain proper protection. Take advantage of shading or indoor facilities. Even though you may feel great, its good to go inside and take a break.

Visitors from northern states or other countries often are not used to Floridas temperatures and underestimate the heat. Ninety degrees here does not feel the same as 90 degrees in New York City because of the humidity. The sun here is much more powerful than people realize.

4. Dont overdo. Bring a chair and rest, if needed. If you start to feel sick, be sure you know where the first aid stations are located or ask. Some warning signs of heat exhaustion are weak and rapid pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, low blood pressure, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and fainting.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, many large public venues also now have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are portable devices that can deliver an electric shock to the heart.

5. Bring a daily supply of your medicines. If you take a prescription such as for diabetes or high blood pressure, dont forget to take your medicine and/or insulin as scheduled.

6. Be aware of your surroundings. In this day and age, its always important to stay alert and pay attention to any unexpected situations that may occur or even just severe weather. Know where exits are located and how to safely leave an event.

Summer is a fun time, but when youre outdoors, remember to be aware of the temperatures and the environment around you. I want your summer to be a safe and healthy one.

Jeffrey Smowton, MD, is board-certified as an emergency medical specialist and internist, and is also chief of emergency medicine at Baptist Medical Center Beaches, 1350 13th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Free skin cancer screenings sponsored by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center will take place at The Players on Thursday through Sunday, May 11-14, in a private tent adjacent to Baptist Healths First Aid Station, near the Nicklaus Gate and across from The Grove.

Read more here:
Simple steps to stay healthy during outdoor sporting events - Florida Times-Union

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