Take precautions against sun and heat

By David Gambrel
Staff Writer

Festival-goers at the annual Great American Brass Band Festival can expect temperatures to reach the high 80s. During hot weather it is important to take steps to succumbing to heat stroke.

The average high temperature for the festival since it began in 1990 has been just under 87 degrees. Daily high temperatures have ranged from 77 in 1992 to a record high of 96, which was set in 1994.

In 1993 and 1992, festival-goers were met with rain but aside from that skies have been relatively free of precipitation.

Kathy Crown-Weber, a registered dietitian with the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, said one of the key precautions to take during warm weather is to avoid becoming dehydrated. That's why it's important to consume lots of liquids during warm weather.

As with many health concerns prevention is the key. "If you wait until you get thirsty it's too late," said Crown-Weber. She stressed drinking liquids all during the day to avoid dehydration. Drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol can add to dehydration and should be avoided.

Crown-Weber recommends that at least one-half cup of water or other liquid should be consumed each 15 minutes, whether you're thirsty or not.

The humid June weather can also cause the body to lose potassium and sodium. While most people consume enough salt to not have to worry about replacing sodium, potassium is a different story. Crown-Weber recommends eating bananas as a source of potassium.

Another health concern when it comes to hot weather is spoiled food. Crown-Weber suggests eating a lot of fruit during warm weather not only does fruit provide natural juices they also aren't as apt to spoil. In addition to bananas, she suggested grapes and apples. Food that has sat out in the sun should be absolutely avoided. Cooked food should be immediately consumed and food that needs to be refrigerated should be eaten directly from the cooler or refrigerator.

Crown-Weber said the big concern here isn't with the food vendors at the festival. "The health department does an outstanding job of making sure the food sold at the festival is safe. The problem can be food brought from home."

She suggested that food brought from home be stored in a cooler until it is consumed. She also stressed making sure enough decaffeinated liquid is brought along for the entire family.

Dressing for the weather is another factor to consider. Loose layers of light-colored, breathable materials are the best. Some type of hat to block the sun and sunblock also offer protection from the sun's rays.

If these common sense precautions are taken festival-goers will maximize the chances of being able to bear the hot sun. Crown-Weber noted that the warning signs of sunstroke include nausea, the skin being hot to the touch, pounding heartbeat, chills dizziness and disorientation. If the symptoms occur get out of the sun, drink liquids and seek medical treatment.