Summer athletes need to protect themselves

While I’m sitting here in my air conditioned office, there are many athletes, particularly student athletes, who are sweating bullets out on the playing field or in the gym getting ready for competition in the fall. Any type of training in heat and or humidity can takes it’s toll on young bodies - even on old bodies for that matter. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and dehydration, circulatory collapse or even heat stroke.

“Practice is a necessary part of getting ready for the season, but safety is paramount,” says Toni Salvatore, MD, medical director of the Pediatric Center at Greenwich Hospital. “As a coach or parent I would have a very low threshold if a child complained of anything from dizziness to nausea while playing sports when it’s uncomfortably hot out.”

Hydration is the key. Plenty of fluids before, during and after practice. This will keep blood volume high and in circulation. Double the normal amount of liquids in extreme heat.

Other tips include wearing light colored clothing, wearing natural fibers, using a spray bottle, taking breaks, eating a light meal a few hours before practice, avoid direct sun, avoiding drinks with caffeine, and do not rely on a thermometer which won’t measure humidity.

Source: Greenwich Hospital, Medical News Today