Summer tennis and signs of heat exhaustion

Kristianne Bontempo | Towpath Tennis Employee  | Online Store Manager

'Tis the season of the Akron Open Championships, the largest adult USTA-sanctioned tournament in Northeast Ohio! This year we celebrate 10 years of competitive tennis with over 180 players competing this weekend at Towpath Tennis Center and Hyre Park in Ellet. We applaud those that brave the unpredictable summer conditions that affect us every year indoors and out. We may have flood water up to our knees, tornados ripping through our backyards, or pulling out our fall gear a couple months too soon, so it's not a surprise that we jump for the chance to play during those 80+ degree days. And though there's nothing wrong with playing tennis in hot weather, we want you to do it smartly because the threat of heat exhaustion is dangerously real.  

Checking the temperature is one thing, but you need to also take into account the humidity. In the following chart by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we need to be aware of the heat index and how unsafe conditions can be on certain days. A relative 60% humidity or more can hinder the body's ability to cool itself, and just because you head indoors to get out of the sun doesn't mean you're necessarily safe. Even the best ventilated facilities can get a little stuffy so you'll want to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and how best to treat it. 

Most common signs of heat exhaustion:




Confusion
Dizziness
Feeling faint
Fatigue 
Headache
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Pale/clammy skin
Profuse sweating
Rapid heartbeat

Treatment options:

Drink plenty of water (avoid soda drinks)
Cool yourself with a fan, ice towel, or a cool shower
Remove any layers or tight clothing
Avoid any hot weather activity for at least a week to fully recover

If you don't feel any improvement within 30 minutes or if symptoms get worse, seek immediate help or call 911 because you may be suffering from heat stroke, a severe heat-related injury that can cause major organ damage. 

 The best treatment for heat exhaustion is always prevention. We encourage everyone to get out and play as much tennis as humanly possible on those beautiful summer days (because we know how rare they can be), but next time you head out for a game of tennis, be smart, check the heat index and plan accordingly.

*Follow us on Facebook to get a first look at new posts, pictures and on-going events or visit us at towpathtennisshop.com and check out the latest arrivals in the shop!