Heat Exhaustion Already A Danger
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Jackson tied a record high Monday that has stood for almost half a century. The mercury topped 86 degrees, the same as the record set in 1963. With summer-like temperatures comes added dangers. Just this weekend, more than 200 people were treated for heat exhaustion during the reenactments of the Battle of Shiloh. The spring forecast for West Tennessee looks more like summer with temperatures reaching the mid 80’s. “It’s really pretty outside, and the sun is shining,” said Kelsey Hail. Like many Jackson residents, some local girl scouts took advantage of the weather Monday at North Park. “We are going to have a girl scout meeting outside today and do a little Easter egg hunt to have some fun,” said Hail. But with sunny days comes extra heat. Just this past weekend thousands flocked to Shiloh for reenactments of the Battle of Shiloh, and hundreds left exhausted by the intense heat. “Some of the reenactors at the Shiloh had very heavy clothing on that may have contributed to the increased number of heat-related illness there,” said Nurse Practitioner Fred Sesti. Experts said you should pay attention to how you feel when your out in the sun. If you experience heavy sweating, feel dizzy, nauseous or light headed; you may have heat exhaustion. “You want to take in fluids before you get thirsty. I tell patients to pre-hydrate rather than rehydrate,” said Sesti. In addition to drinking lots of fluids, Health officials said you should wear light clothing, take frequent breaks, and stay in the shade. Practicing these tips could prevent heat exhaustion and more. “You can have a heat stroke and that can lead to hospitalization, and that can lead to acute kidney failure,” said Sesti.
