Doctors urge athletes to take heat precautions during youth tournament

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Temperatures aren’t expected to cool down anytime soon, and with high UV levels in the forecast, doctors are urging people to take precautions.

“Heat stroke is what we worry about in the heat, so for the people that live here and are acclimated to the temperature here, it can still be dangerous and even more so if they lack awareness of the dangers of it,” said Dr. Amber Thacker, chief medical officer at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital.

Doctors say heat exhaustion can be an early sign of heat stroke. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vision changes.

“I would recommend people take any symptom or sign of even what they think might be heat exhaustion seriously and treat it as an emergency,” Thacker said.

Panama City Beach is hosting the month-long Grand Slam World Series youth tournament through July 26, where organizers say they’re taking precautions.

“They are taking breaks, especially in between games, allowing umpires to take breaks; they are staying hydrated; they have fans they are wearing on the inside of their gear, and then they have a misting station. The bathrooms are air-conditioned, so that’s nice,” said Hope Shelters, an athlete mom.

One Kentucky mom came prepared to keep her kids cool during the tournament.

“Cooling rags and a plethora, and then any kind of spray fans, we have a large fan that’s battery-operated that also mists, and they always have to do electrolytes the night before, and we do it before they get here to the fields, and we maintain that throughout the ball game,” Shelters said.

Doctors say the people most at risk for heat-related illnesses include older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.

With WJHG meteorologists forecasting feels-like temperatures near 105 degrees, experts say taking precautions could help keep you safe this summer.

If you or someone you know begins experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, doctors recommend moving to the shade, drinking water, and calling 911 if symptoms become severe.

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