The sweltering heat over the weekend took its toll with feels like temperatures soaring over 110 during the red dress run in the French Quarter, and that heat took its toll, even on yours truly.
Throughout the summer, I’ve said it often: keep yourself safe in the heat. But this past weekend, I forgot to heed my own advice. Even though I had a blast at the Red Dress Run, once I arrived home, heat exhaustion began to take its toll. I was tired, sweating profusely and dizzy if I tried to stand; classic examples of heat exhaustion symptoms. The good thing, I was indoors by this point and so i was able to sleep it off after re-hydrating.
If you aren’t indoors though and you experience these symptoms, find any way to get cool. Shady spots, cold towels and ice are all good ways to bring down your body’s core temperature. And hydrate! Remember: once you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. The best way to avoid heat exhaustion is prevention. Hydrate gradually through the day and limit your time in direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight is the key phrase there. Shady breaks throughout the day, even if you remain outdoors, help break up the time you’re in the sun and limit your risk for heat exhaustion. As for the excessive heat warning this past weekend: NOLA EMS reports they handled 11 responses for heat related illnesses this past weekend which goes to show that even though we’re used to the summer heat here in the crescent city, we need to remain vigilant when we’re out and about.