Over the last few years we have seen heat related illness gain some national attention. Several years ago a NFL lineman passed away with heat related complications. Since that time, almost on a yearly basis we read in the sports page about an athlete dying due to heat related illness.

What can we do to manage this issue?

Proper Hydration:
Many athletes begin practice or an exercise session already dehydrated. Proper hydration at all times is necessary for maintaining vital physiological functions. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) recommends that athletes should is necessary for maintaining vital physiological functions. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) recommends that athletes should consume 17 to 20 ounces of me 17 to 20 ounces a sports drink 2 to 3 hours prior to exercise and drink another 7 to 10 ounces 10-20 minutes before exercise to maintain proper hydration.

Post Exercise to re-hydrate drink 20-24 ounces of a sports drink or water per pound of body weight lost. It is a good idea to weigh before exercise and after during periods of longer duration exercise.

Pre Participation Medical Screening:
This can be helpful in determining if any of your athletes have a history of heat related illness.

• Medical Supervision or designate a coach or coaches that are familiar with prevention, recognition, treatment of heat illness.
• Educate athletes on proper hydration:
  

Use the recommendations above and athletes can also use their urine output to maintain adequate hydration. Urine should be clear or a pale yellow color.

• Adequate Sleep:
  

Sleep 6-8 hours per night in a cool environment.

• Good Nutrition:
  

Eat a well balanced diet with extra sodium or intake of re-hydration beverages.

• Practice according to the environmental conditions:
  

Avoid the hottest part of the day (between 10-5) and try to avoid radiant heat from direct sunlight. Give ample rest breaks and plenty of fluids. Allow 2-3 hours of rest time between practices to allow for absorption of fluids and nutrients.

Common Signs & Symptoms Of Heat Related Illness
Heat Cramps

• Dehydration Thirst
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Muscle Cramps
  

Heat Syncope

• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Tunnel Vision
• Pale or Sweaty Skin
• Decreased Pulse Rate
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Heat Exhaustion

• Elevated core body temperature
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Cool, clammy skin
• Profuse Sweating
• Chills
• Weakness
• Hyperventilation
• Intestinal Cramps
• Decreased Urine Output
• Diarrhea

Heat Stroke

• High body core temperature
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Hot and wet or dry skin
• Vomiting
• Tachycardia (100-120 beats per minute at rest)
• Possible loss of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
  

For more information about this topic please visit the NATA’s position statement on exertional heat related illness at: www.nata.org/publicinformation/files/exertionalheatillness.pdf.