JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – With the extreme heat in Mississippi this week and the new school year about to begin, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is encouraging schools, students and parents to be aware of preventable head injuries and heat-related illnesses during sports activities.
“We encourage schools to require pre-activity physicals to identify any pre-existing conditions, such as heart issues, that need to be addressed before participation,” said Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH Executive Director and State Health Officer. “To further protect students, we recommend the use of padded helmet headgear to reduce the risk of severe head injuries and continued adherence to concussion protocols.”
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Signs of Head Injuries
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Balance issues or unsteady movement
What to Do
- Keep the person still and avoid moving them unless necessary.
- Monitor for worsening symptoms, such as increased drowsiness or severe headache.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- If unconscious, call 911 and ensure their airway is clear.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness
- Heavy sweating or no sweating despite hot conditions
- Weakness, dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Red, hot or dry skin
What to Do
- Move the person to a cooler place and remove excess clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths or ice packs to the body.
- Give small sips of water if the person is conscious.
- Call 911 if symptoms worsen or do not improve quickly.
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