Study Shows Hot Weather Lands Thousands in the Hospital Each Year

Here in the United States, we have had a very hot summer and it does not look like it is going to cool down anytime soon. It has not been uncommon to see heat indexes well into the 100s throughout most of the country and normal temperatures, without heat index, in the upper 80s and 90s. This type of heat can have a negative impact on your health and when the right factors are involved, lead to a dangerous situation.

"Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that from 2001 to 2009, almost 6,000 people annually were seen in emergency rooms for heat-related illness caused while playing sports or engaged in other outdoor activities," reports USA Today.

General exercise and football were the most common physical activities leading to heat-related illness. If you are experiencing a reaction to the heat, you may have a heat rash, heavy sweating, high body temperature, fainting, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting and weakness.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Heat-Related Illness?

The good news is, you can reduce your risk of heat-related illness. When you are in the heat, take frequent breaks to cool down and make sure to not push yourself too hard. If you must do an outdoor activity when the temperatures are unforgiving, do them during the times of day when the sun is not at its hottest. So, avoid the hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is also a good idea to get that run in during the early hours of the morning or mid-evening hours when the sun is hiding behind buildings and trees and will not be hitting you full-force.

You should also be monitoring your fluid intake. In addition to water, you also need to replenish electrolytes. Sports drinks are good for overall hydration because they will also give you those much needed electrolytes.

You should also be sure to wear the right clothing. Loose-fitting, breathable clothing is best because it will help you sweat and stay cooler than tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing. Sports clothing is a good choice because it is designed to help you stay cool and comfortable. Also, be sure to wear a sunscreen to help prevent sunburn.

"The CDC says that 66.4 percent of sports -- and recreation-related heart illnesses were recorded during the July through September period. The most dangerous month, the data suggests, is August, which accounts for 33.2 percent of ER visits. The CDC says 19.8 percent of the problems occur in July, 13.5 percent in September and 12.9 percent in June," reports WebMD.

R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen began her career in health care in 2002, when she began nursing school. She is now a full-time medical writer with expertise in a variety of health fields, specifically trauma, public health, cancer, infectious disease, women's health, and research. She combines her education, experience, and passion for health and medicine to influence her writing.