Local News

Hot Weather Causes Health Problems at N.C. State Game

About 100 people at the N.C. State game at Carter-Finley Stadium were treated Saturday afternoon for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Posted Updated
Heat; Hot Weather 1
RALEIGH, N.C. — About 100 people at the N.C. State game at Carter-Finley Stadium were treated Saturday afternoon for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Six people were transported to Rex Hospital with heat related injuries," Sgt. Jon Barnwell said. They were given intravenous therapy.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for infants and children up to 4 years old, people 65 or older, people who are excessively overweight or physically ill and those who work outdoors and might overexert during work or exercise.

The North Carolina Departments of Health and Human Services and Crime Control and Public Safety offers these tips to help avoid heat-related health problems.

  • Don't leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
  • Drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic fluids, preferably water or fluids containing electrolytes. Sweat is a combination of fluid, sodium and other electrolytes. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are formulated with electrolytes to help replace what the body loses in sweat.
  • If exercising or working outside, drink two to four glasses of fluid each hour, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Stay indoors, and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If outside, take periodic breaks from the direct rays of the sun.
  • Avoid using your stove or oven to keep cooler temperatures in your home.
  • Have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day, if you are 65 years old or older, or call and check on someone who is in the age group.
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, if you have to be outdoors. When working in the heat, have plenty of water available, monitor the condition of your co-workers, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Remember to take fluids with you to outdoor activities, because they might not be readily available.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat along with sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.