MUNCIE, Ind. -- Anyone can survive the dog days of August by drinking plenty of water and allowing enough time for the body to adjust to high temperatures and humidity levels, says a Ball State University researcher.

The recent heat-related deaths of several high school, college and pro football players during practices has focused attention on the plight of working and playing in hot weather, said Bill Fink, a researcher for the Ball State Human Performance Laboratory.

Heat sickness is fast acting and dangerous. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can bring about an irreversible coma and even death.

Fink said heat related illnesses are preventable. Like many sicknesses, it's easier to take steps against heat stroke than it is to treat it. Most doctors recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water a day during normal weather conditions and twice that during high heat periods.

“When the temperatures go past 90 degrees and the humidity levels climb, it is extremely important to stay hydrated,” Flint said. “You can lose a couple of pounds in an hour if you are working hard outside.

“Many people simply haven’t gotten used to the idea that you need to drink several pounds of water to keep the body hydrated,” he said. “I was on the golf course the other day and drank four ounces of water every two holes, or about 4.5 pounds of water over 18 holes. I still lost weight.”

Major media attention was recently given to the plight of Korey Stringer, a lineman with the Minnesota Vikings, who died Aug. 1 as a result of heat stroke suffered during practice. A high school player in Indiana and a University of Florida player died of heat-related complications following football practices in recent weeks.

Fink said while most athletes are in great shape, most need time to acclimatize to heat gradually before starting grueling practices. The same holds true for non-athletes and weekend warriors.

“Football players are big men and have a problem dissipating heat due to the amount of body surface,” Fink said. “Add pads and uniforms and the problem increases.

“Even before going outside, people need to get used to this type of weather,” he said. “Many people spend most of their time in air conditioned houses or offices. They don’t allow their bodies to get conditioned to the heat and humidity.”

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Fink at bfink@bsu.edu or (765) 285-7964.)