Basics for parents and coaches about heat illness
A couple weeks ago during record high heat, I saw our high school girls’ soccer team practicing on their field and the boys out on the baseball diamond. Youth sports camps as well as other outdoor activities are underway, and while the temperatures won’t always hit the danger zone, parents and coaches should know the signs of heat illness and do their best to prevent it or recognize it early.
It can be easy to forget that besides getting sunburned, there are other risks to playing on a hot day. Any of these are reason for concern:
Dehydration can make a child feel bad and not play as well. It also raises the risk of a more dangerous heat illness.
Heat cramps are intense muscle spasms that may develop after playing for a while and losing fluid and salt from sweating.
Heat exhaustion may occur if a child keeps playing while already suffering from dehydration or other effects of the heat.
Heat stroke may occur when a child’s body creates more heat than it can release. It is a severe illness that can lead to permanent disability or even death.
You can learn more about these heat illnesses and how to prevent them in the Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide to Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses in Children from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
According to Raj Deu, M.D. the best way to prevent heat illness is for athletes to get used to the heat gradually and to drink plenty of water. But quickly recognizing these signs of illness is crucial to prevent a serious outcome:
Disorientation
Dizziness, weakness
Unusual behavior
Headache
Vomiting
Like injuries, avoiding serious consequences from the heat starts with awareness and prevention. Kids who play safely stay healthy and stay in the game.
If you coach a sport that is played in the heat or have a child who plays a sport, take some time to learn about heat illness and following guidelines for activity, rehydration and rest. The Korey Stringer Institute, named for the Minnesota Vikings player who died from exertional heat stroke in 2001 provides extensive information and guidance like this video. Additionally, teams should take guidance from the athletic trainer or other medical professional assigned to their team.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Statements are based on personal experience, credible news articles and medical resources. My intention is to raise awareness. Please learn more and discuss questions and concerns with your family's physician.
Read more
Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide to Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses in Children, National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Heat-Related Illness and Young Athletes: 3 Important Things Parents and Coaches Need to Know, reviewed by Raj Deu, M.D. for Johns Hopkins Medicine
Heat & Athletes, CDC