Take steps now to prevent heat illness later

Although pre-season camps have begun and the weather has been cooperating, we are not out of the woods as far as the heat goes. Encourage athletes to begin preparing for practice and competitions in the heat by reminding them to monitor their fluid intake. Dehydration occurs quickly and frequently when exercising in warm weather and can lead to heat illness if athletes are not properly prepared to exercise in a hot, humid environment. In extreme situations, athletes who do not prepare for, or, recognize signs and symptoms of heat illness can suffer heat stroke, a potentially fatal outcome and one that is preventable.

What can we do to prevent heat illness and help our athletes perform at their best in the heat of preseason camps? Make sure athletes are acclimated to the environment and monitor their hydration. Coaches and athletic trainers need to work together to monitor weather conditions such as temperature, but more importantly, humidity. As the humidity increases, the body's natural method of cooling itself (sweating) is decreased. In sports such as football, where athletes wear protective equipment, the amount of skin exposed to the air is decreased, making it harder for the body to cool itself. Coaches and athletic trainers need to work together to monitor their athletes performances in hot environments. An athlete who complains of a headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision (in absence of a direct blow) or who appear lethargic and slow in movements may be feeling the effects of heat illness.

Remember--heat illnesses are preventable. Encourage athletes to consume adequate amounts of fluids throughout the day, specifically prior to and immediately after workouts. Teach athletes to monitor the color and frequency of urination. Urine should be clear or pale yellow. Thirst is a poor indicator of hydration. Most people stop drinking when no longer thirsty, but they may not be hydrated.

Click on the links below to learn ways in which coaches, athletes and athletic trainers can work together to prevent a potentially catastrophic, yet preventable occurrence. Together we can assure the safety of our athletes and help them perform to the best of their abilities, even when weather conditions work against us.

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