Guru
July 25th, 2008, 05:08 AM
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2008/07/24/news/news02.txt
The phrase "it's hot enough to fry an egg out here" has taken on a life of its own in the past week as Mississippi temperatures soared into the upper 90s leaving behind a trail of record highs, including Monday's reading of 98 degrees.
The temperatures can be dangerous for those who spend a lot of time outside, especially high school musicians and athletes. Officials say they are taking every precaution necessary to protect students who have to practice in the heat.
"The heat is definitely an issue," said Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Director Lum Wright. "We have not had any students in Warren County get real sick, but it's still important to monitor the situation. It's a matter of common sense and providing water."
As of 2006, Fred Mueller, a professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who compiles statistics, said 31 male athletes had died from heat stroke since 1995 during football practice sessions across the United States.
One heat-related death of an elderly Mississippian occurred Sunday. Health officials said Jessie Conway Jr. of Shannon, who was 76, died of heat stroke. The state Department of Health says that in 2006, the latest year for which statistics are available, Mississippi had nine heat-related deaths.
The phrase "it's hot enough to fry an egg out here" has taken on a life of its own in the past week as Mississippi temperatures soared into the upper 90s leaving behind a trail of record highs, including Monday's reading of 98 degrees.
The temperatures can be dangerous for those who spend a lot of time outside, especially high school musicians and athletes. Officials say they are taking every precaution necessary to protect students who have to practice in the heat.
"The heat is definitely an issue," said Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Director Lum Wright. "We have not had any students in Warren County get real sick, but it's still important to monitor the situation. It's a matter of common sense and providing water."
As of 2006, Fred Mueller, a professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who compiles statistics, said 31 male athletes had died from heat stroke since 1995 during football practice sessions across the United States.
One heat-related death of an elderly Mississippian occurred Sunday. Health officials said Jessie Conway Jr. of Shannon, who was 76, died of heat stroke. The state Department of Health says that in 2006, the latest year for which statistics are available, Mississippi had nine heat-related deaths.