Exercising in the Heat? Take this Quiz!

June 21, 2019 9:15 am by Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTPLeave a Comment

As the summer months heat up, so do many people’s outdoor exercise routines. However, exercising outdoors in the summertime can put you at risk for overheating. Take the quiz below to find out how much you know about protecting yourself from heat illness.

1. Which of these is the most severe heat illness?

A. heat exhaustion

B. heat stroke

Correct Answer: B. Heat stroke - Heat stroke means the brain has been compromised and is life threatening if left untreated.

2. What are some signs of heat exhaustion?

A. Dizziness

B. Clumsiness

C. Unsteady walking

D. Headache

E. All of the Above

Correct Answer: E. All of the above. Other symptoms can include weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.

3. What are some factors that can increase the risk of heat illness?

A. high temperature outdoors

B. High humidity levels

C. Heavy loads/gear

D. All of the Above

Correct Answer: D. All of the above. Other factors that can increase the risk of heat illness include age over 40, alcohol consumption in the last 24 hours, sleep deprivation and previous heat injury.

4. How can you try to prevent heat illness?

A. Exercise in the middle of the day

B. Exercise for long period of time outdoors

C. Drink a lot of water

D. Exercise with lots of gear/padding on

Correct Answer: C. Drink lots of water - Outdoor workouts should be conducted earlier or later in the day to avoid heat injury when the temperature is the hottest, which is typically midday. Also allow for recovery periods and rest from the heat instead of performing prolonged workouts. Gear and padding should be minimal and gradually increase if needed when exercising outdoors.

5. What should you do if you suspect heat illness in yourself or others?

A. Cool the body and call for help

B. Stay in the sun

C. Keep all clothing on

Correct Answer: A. cool the body and call for help - Some ways to help cool the body include removing head gear, removing or loosening clothing, resting in shade, and drinking water. If you suspect heat stroke, call for medical help immediately.

Athletico hopes everyone stays cool in the heat this summer and enjoys a safe summer workout. Learn more about protecting yourself from heat illness by reading, “Heating Up: Exercising in the Heat.”

If you feel like you are suffering from a heat-related illness, please contact your physician. Should an injury occur during your summer workouts, schedule a free assessment at an Athletico clinic near you. Our team will take a look at your condition and recommend treatment options to help you feel better.

Free assessments are available in-clinic and virtually through our Telehealth platform.

Schedule a Free Assessment

The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.

About the Author:
Tara Hackney, a physical therapist in Marion, IA, enjoys working with all patient types, especially gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancers. She is the prominent blogger for Athletico's Gymnastic/Cheer Program. With an orthopedic specialization and training in dry needling and Graston technique, Tara hopes to answer your questions about injuries and injury prevention in an easy-to-understand manner. She hopes to ease fears surrounding pain and injuries, address concerns about recovery, and provide tips to prevent injury. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and watching her nephews play sports.