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Friday, March 29, 2024
NEWS  |  CAMPUS

Gators should beware heat-related illness on gameday

Alligators may love to nap in the sun, but Gators need to take care not to overheat in The Swamp.

The temperatures during Saturday’s football game are predicted to be about 90 degrees, and UF wants to make sure students and fans stay safe. The conditions inside the stadium  — and under the September sun — can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke.

“Slather yourself with sunscreen,” said Catherine Seemann, marketing coordinator at the Student Health Care Center. “You’re going to want to take in a quart of water an hour.”

She said students can also drink Gatorade, diluted fruit juices or flavored water to rehydrate. Eating fruits and vegetables like watermelon or celery can help as well.

Anyone consuming alcohol should especially monitor his or her intake, Seemann said.

“The best thing to do is limit the number of alcoholic beverages you’re having and make sure you are taking an appropriate amount of water and staying out of the sun,” Seemann said.

During last year’s 3:30 p.m. game against the University of Tennessee, about 20 people were treated for heat-related illnesses, said Bryan Flood, director of operations at the University Athletic Association.

Dance freshman Jean Shuman, 18, said she’s taking precautions to avoid having heat-related health problems. Though she won’t be taking water to the game, she plans on wearing sunscreen and an airy T-shirt.

But 24-year-old architecture senior Shawn Crews does not intend on wearing sunscreen.

“Baseball hats are the only sunscreen I wear,” he said.

Whether students are cautious or not, Flood said there will be numerous misting stations and first-aid locations inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Handheld fans and small cooling towels will be distributed before the game for free.

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Flood said people who wish to leave The Swamp to cool off can go to the air-conditioned Stephen C. O’Connell Center, where the game will be playing on large video screens.

Gate 1 will be open for fans wanting to escape the heat.

According to information from the Student Health Care Center, signs of dehydration include:

- dry, sticky mouth

- dizziness

- headaches

- sunken eyes

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

- fatigue

- nausea

- vomiting

- clammy, pale skin

- rapid pulse

If you experience any of the above, sit down in the shade and drink cool liquids. If the symptoms continue, seek immediate medical attention.

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