NFHS Announces Free Course on Heat Illness
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Friday, June 29, 2012

NFHS Announces Free Course on Heat Illness

The NFHS is proud to announce the launching of “A Guide to Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention.” This FREE course is available at www.nfhslearn.com <http://www.nfhslearn.com> ! This course can be taken on mobile devices, including ipads and tablets.

A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention

Course Objectives:

Rec·Recognize that Exertional  Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes.

·     Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan.

·       Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, and providing ample opportunities for, and encouraging, regular fluid replacement.

·       Know the importance of appropriately modifying activities in relation to the environmental heat stress and contributing risk factors (e.g., illness, overweight) to keep your athletes safe and performing well.

·       Know the importance for all staff to closely monitor all athletes during practice and training in the heat, and recognize the signs and symptoms of developing heat illness.

·       Know the importance of, and resources for, establishing an Emergency Action Plan and promptly implementing it in case of suspected EHS or other medical emergency.

Unit 1: Go slow and progressive

·       Acclimatization can take up to 10-14 days

·       Build a period of acclimation into the first 2 weeks of practice.

Unit 2: Allow for individual conditioning and medical status

·       Factors contributing to higher risk for heat illness

o   Equipment

o   Body composition

·       Athletes with Sickle Cell trait

Unit 3: Adjust intensity and rest

·       Be aware of weather and humidity levels

Unit 4: Start sessions adequately hydrated

§  Dehydration can impair athletic performance

§  There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” hydration approach

§  Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluid than he or she consumes

§  Know the warning signs of dehydration

§  Monitor urine color

§  Weigh in/weigh out

§  Know what your athletes drink

o   Water

o   Sports drinks

Unit 5: Recognize signs early

Unit 6: Recognize more serious signs

Unit 7:  Have an Emergency Action Plan  


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