While there are many tragedies that we hear about so often that weve almost become immune to the shock, one that never ceases to grab our attention is the death of young athletes as a result of heat stroke. Its happened twice in the past 10 days. Korey Stringer, a Pro Bowl offensive tackle with the Minnesota Vikings, collapsed Tuesday on his teams practice field in Mankato, Minn., which normally is not thought of as a hotbed of high temperatures and stifling humidity. Associated Press reporter Dave Campbell described a literal shutdown of Stringers body. Following Tuesdays practice, which was held in full pads in 90-degree temperatures, Stringer began growing weak, breathing rapidly and finally slipping into unconsciousness with a temperature of more than 108 degrees. This led to a shutdown of his organs, including heart failure and death. The 27-year-old was just reaching his prime, having been named a Pro Bowler last season after struggling with weight problems early in his career. The 335-pound offensive lineman had started every game at right tackle the past two seasons and had reported to camp in the best shape of his career.While we tend to emphasize the dangers of the heat for both the elderly and very young, this was an athlete a professional who will not make another tackle or attend another Pro Bowl because of the deadly effects of heat stroke. Theres something subtle about the heat. Its easy to think, It wont get me, Im in too good of shape or Im too young. This is foolish. Eraste Autin, a University of Florida football player, had many goals ahead of him. But the freshman died six days after collapsing of heat stroke and six days before Stringer went down.The subtlety of heat stroke on the body can be compared to a car stuck in traffic without enough water running through its engine. When all of the water runs out of the cars radiator, it can, at best, pull you over to the side of the road; worse, it can put the best and newest engine out of circulation permanently. It can come suddenly and without warning. Thats why a car has gauges and thats why coaches, teachers and band directors across southcentral Kentucky need to encourage the young people in their care to pay attention to the gauge.Young people, the elderly and yes, even athletes, should take extreme caution during the current heat wave. The soaring temperatures and humidity here can be deadly when combined with outdoors activities, which cause the body to heat up anyway. Even a casual perusing of Web sites on heat stroke drives home the advice of medical experts: Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, get some help if you start feeling nauseated or dizzy. Many physicians also advise people to avoid alcohol if they are working in the hot weather because it makes it harder for your body to keep cool.Chuck Barta, the Vikings trainer, said he sometimes has to force liquids down the players and you also use ice towels to keep them cool on the outside so they dont sweat as much. Sometimes, you have to force liquids down yourself; the body doesnt always alert you of thirst even when it needs water. It makes us sweat to think that, according to University of North Carolina research, there have been at least 18 high school or college players who have died of heat-related causes since 1995. We urge all southcentral Kentuckians: Stay cool.