Expert in Heat-Related Illnesses To Speak at App State Sept. 20

By Amanda Mlekush 

Dr. William M. Adams, an expert in hydration and heat-illness, with extensive research and clinical experience, will offer insights into “Preventing and Treating Heat-Related Illness, On and Off the Field” during a community presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at Leon Levine Hall, 1179 State Farm Road in Boone.

The free presentation is open to the public and App State students, faculty and staff, and is being sponsored by the Beaver College of Health Sciences and the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science.

“During the presentation, Dr. Adams will share his exceptional experience in research and clinical treatment of heat-related illness and heat stroke,” said Dr. Caroline Smith, FACSM, associate professor at App State and presentation organizer. “Attendees will learn about the differences in the types of heat stroke, as well as appropriate treatment and preventative strategies. This topic has broad relevance to clinicians and first responders as well as students, faculty and community members.”

About the Speaker

Based in Colorado Springs, Adams is the associate director of Sports Medicine Research for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, where he oversees development and research to reduce injury and illness in sport. In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and certified Athletic Trainer. 

Adams researches ways to optimize human health and performance and preventing, managing and caring for heat-related illness. He has served as a longtime medical volunteer at the Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and other endurance events; at those events has treated more than 50 competitors who experienced exertional heat stroke.

About Hyperthermia or Heat-related Illness

Heat-related illness involves a continuum of conditions, the most serious of which is heat stroke. This is a medical emergency and occurs when the body is unable to properly cool itself. Although heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, the CDC reports more than 600 people in the United States die each year from extreme heat-related causes. 

Certain groups are at greater risk for exertional heat-stroke, including athletes, military personnel and firefighters, which typically occurs during exercise in warm and hot conditions.  Classic heat stroke, which typically occurs during exposure without exercise, is more common in those with chronic medical conditions, adults age 65 and older, infants, and people living in low-income households. 

About the Presentation: 

“Prevent and Treat Heat-Related Illness: On and Off the Field” 

William M. Adams, PhD, ATC, FACSM

Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m. (reception to follow) 

App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Leon Levine Hall Room 103 

Presentation is free and open to the community and App State students, faculty and staff 

About the Beaver College of Health Sciences 

Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS), opened in 2010, is transforming the health and quality of life for the communities it serves through interprofessional collaboration and innovation in teaching, scholarship, service and clinical outreach. BCHS offers nine undergraduate degree programs and seven graduate degree programs, which are organized into six departments: Nursing, Nutrition and Health Care Management, Public Health and Exercise Science, Recreation Management and Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Social Work. The college’s academic programs are located in the Holmes Convocation Center on App State’s main campus and the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art, 203,000-square-foot facility that is the cornerstone of the Wellness District. In addition, the college supports the Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services and has collaborative partnerships with the Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program, the Appalachian Regional Health System and numerous other health agencies. Learn more at https://healthsciences.appstate.edu .

Will Adams, PhD, ATC, FACSM
Published: Sep 9, 2022 8:39am

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