PLYMOUTH, Minn. - Thousands of Minnesotans converged on the Plymouth Amphitheatre Tuesday evening for the annual Music in Plymouth celebration. The event went on as scheduled despite the oppressive heat.
"You are going to feel much hotter in the Sun versus the shade," said Oriana Beaudet, Hennepin County Medical Center Emergency Room Nursing Supervisor. "When the weathermen and women are telling us about how hot it is going to be and they say it is going to be 90, but it is actually going to feel like it is 105, that 105 is actually in the shade."
Beaudet has been concerned about the rising cases of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke on this very hot Holiday week and weekend. She offered insights into how Minnesotans should conduct themselves to prevent serious health issues.
"Any surface is going to retain heat, just like our body. So, you want to start using things that are wooden, instead of maybe plastic or metal," said Beaudet. "If you have somebody who is using a walker or a wheelchair, making sure that you are taking those precautions with those surfaces that maybe you are lining it with some cloth."
She warned about cooling down too fast. "You are not going to jump into an ice bath. No polar plunges in this weather. It is a shock to your system. Your body has been very hot and then, you are jumping into something very cold. You just want to avoid that."
She warned that heat exhaustion can strike at any age and any level of fitness. "They are young. They are healthy, but they can still be impacted by the heat," said Beaudet. "And when you are at the beach, realize that sand is going to be hot. Just wear some flip-flops to the water's edge."
"We have been asking people to find those cool places like malls,libraries, places to go and get cooled off. On the 4th of July, buildings will not be open. So, making sure that as a community, we are taking care of those people (who work outside), checking on family members," noted Beaudet.
One Minnesotan who needs no convincing of the dangers the high heat poses is Steve Lent of New Hope. "I had it once, when I was running," commented Lent. "I had been in Las Vegas for a week, so I thought I was pretty much immune to the heat. Then I came back and went for like an 11 mile run. At about 8 miles, I really fell apart and was just staggering to get home."
Lent said he was nauseous and light headed, hot and weak. It took him several hours of sleep and fluids to restore his normal body temperature. Lent, who was in-line skating Tuesday around Lake Calhoun, offered advice to his fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
"Just do not push yourself too hard, because I didn't think I was, and just all of a sudden it just came on me."
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)