With the fall practices getting into full swing, coaches, athletes, and parents need to be well informed on Heat Illness. Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death.
Athletes and people who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and are more likely to get heat sickness.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially mid-day when it is the hottest part of the day.
- Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day to avoid mid-day heat.
- Pace activity. Start activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while exercising. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat sickness.
- Monitor a teammate's condition, and have someone do the same for them.
STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak. Seek medical care immediately if athlete experiences symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.
Watch for the signs. Seek medical care immediately if you have or someone you know has symptoms of heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heavy sweating
Weakness
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
HEAT STROKE
High body temperature (above 103°F)*
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
Rapid and strong pulse
Possible unconsciousness
STAY COOL.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight.
STAY HYDRATED.
Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
STAY INFORMED.
Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside.
For more information, visit the WIAA or CDC web site.
http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/HeatInformation.aspx
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide-page-3.asp
Learn more by taking the FREE NFHS Heat Illness Prevention course from http://nfhslearn.com/courses/34000
Learn more by participating in a CDC course on preventing heat-related illness from
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extreme/heat_illness_training.htm.