Preventing heat stroke.

High temperature, mental status changes and anhidrosis constitute the classic triad of the heat stroke syndrome. Prevention should be the foremost concern. For athletes, this means gradual acclimation to a warm environment, liberal water replacement and use of the wet-bulb thermometer as a guide to activity. Other precautionary measures include preseason history and physical examination, records of pre- and post-exercise body weights, proper clothing and education. These principles are adaptable to nonathletes.