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Students who feel fit enough to play competitive sports at school may think they are strong enough to endure during sweltering practices and games. But almost every year, we hear stories of students collapsing on the playground on a hot day or becoming ill from dehydration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that heat stroke during sports activities is the leading cause of disability and death among high school athletes in the United States.
Dr. Mandy Tibor Svatek, a pediatrician at the University of San Antonio Health School and University of San Antonio Health School, was active in sports during his school days. She answers questions about what parents and coaches can do to keep young athletes from being out of the heat.
What should parents do before enrolling their child in a sports program at the beginning of the school year when it’s still summery outside?
It’s important to get evaluated and discuss starting a sport. All children are different. Some children may have certain health problems and may not adapt well to the heat.
What are the specific situations that make it difficult or dangerous for a child to play sports when it’s hot?
Her ADHD child on certain medications has all kinds of heat intolerance problems. you may have. An obese child with a BMI greater than 85% of hers may not tolerate heat. We also have to think about the children who didn’t have the opportunity to play every day to hydrate and rest their muscles. Therefore, you may be more susceptible to heat stroke.
Are there any temperatures or thresholds at which additional precautions should be taken?
It’s important to understand what the heat index looks like. You can measure the heat index for the day with a device such as a wet bulb thermometer, or use the app to see the predicted heat index. If it’s over 95 degrees, you’ll need to discuss whether to practice earlier in the day or later in the evening. Or does she often take 15-20 minute breaks during practice, less than (normal) practice time? Perhaps discuss doing the exercises at all. If that happens, people will be very susceptible to heatstroke.
If I am a coach observing a student-athlete or am an athlete, what are the warning signs that I need to take a break or move to a cooler environment?
You will feel severe cramps in your legs. You may feel nauseous. Vomiting may also occur. You may feel dizzy. They can feel really tired and tired. It can also leave you short of breath. If your skin is flushed and damp, you may not be able to cool yourself down.
Is there anything parents should discuss with schools and coaches before their children play sports in hot weather?
The first thing you can ask is: What is the action plan? already has that plan. Do you have an early morning practice, or have you decided to shorten the practice time? They take frequent breaks. Children ages 9-12 should drink 3-8 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes. Older children and teens should drink 1-1.5 liters of fluid every 15-20 minutes. It’s important to make sure your team has these established guidelines.
Want to learn more about how student-athletes can avoid heat stroke? United Educators and CDC have additional resources.