Heat stroke doesn't just strike football players, but the recent death of Minnesota Vikings Pro-Bowler Korey Stringer, calls national attention to an age-old problem: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Construction workers are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. They work in an unpredictable environment that is prone to the extremes. Regardless of the environment the job needs to get done.

During the "dog days" of summer, temperatures can climb into the 90s and above, and the humidity can be high. When this happens the human body responds in compensatory ways.

As long as we can sweat and dissipate the heat, we can continue to cool ourselves efficiently. This is the bodies' normal mechanism to cool itself. As air comes in contact with moisture on the body, a cooling process results. During heavy exertion, we can lose one to three liters of water per hour through perspiration. By the time we feel thirsty dehydration is already present. Symptoms of dehydration include weakness, headache, muscle cramps and nausea. If you are in this type of environment for too long this condition will progress to heat stroke.

During heat stroke the body experiences a disturbance of the sweating mechanism that can result in the loss of the ability to sweat. The heat is internalized, and can increase the body's internal temperatures beyond 104 degrees. Korey Stringer's internal temperature reached 108 degrees.

The symptoms of heat stroke may be the same as heat exhaustion but also include confusion, hallucinations, seizures and coma. If untreated, heat stroke is often fatal, because prolonged temperatures can cause brain damage, shock, or organ failure.

Injury Prevention:

• Rest often, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Wear light-colored, non-restrictive clothing.
• Increase fluid intake substantially. Drink non-alcoholic, and caffeine-free beverages such as water and juice.

If heat exhaustion or stroke is present or suspected:

• Call for help immediately (911) this is a life-threatening situation.
• Start a cooling process including fanning, ice packs, provide shade.
• Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, armpits and groin.