Heat of the Moment at He's Fit

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Heat of the Moment

Posted August 15, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Christopher Jack

Section: His Fitness, Injuries & Rehab

footballheat In the heat of the moment (literally), it’s easy to ignore warning signs; especially on the field. As football season picks up again and the summer sun continues stays overhead, players and parents alike (and all athletes for that matter) should be aware of the potential dangers that come from heat stroke. Since 1995, 31 young athletes between the ages of 11 and 17 died of heat stroke. The five deaths in 2006 was the highest total since 1972.

It can happen in an instant. An extreme increase in body temperature and the brain lags behind, unable to regulate essential body functions any longer, the boys die. And it all could have been avoidable with a little information and a little safety. It all starts with a few simple questions, namely: What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a very serious form of hypothermia that results when the body is unable to disperse heat. Generally, in conditions of extreme heat, high humidity, or in periods of extreme exertion, an individual is more susceptible to heat stroke. When the body gets up around 102 or 103 degrees Fahrenheit, the body begins to fail. If it should get up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s deadly as the brain begins to fail. Dehydration also factors in, as someone who is dehydrated is unable to stay as cool, unable to sweat as much.

Heat stroke also has a long list of symptoms, all of which should be watched from. Some of the more common symptoms are; high body temperature, inability to sweat, a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, and the symptoms can become as serious as disorientation, seizures and even coma.

Heat exhaustion, though less severe than heat stroke, should be taken just as seriously, with common signs being; nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle cramps. As for preventing instances of heat stroke, following a few simple guidelines can save child and parent alike from worry and injury.

For young athletes taking up football, it’s very important to ease into practices in full gear. Begin with as little gear as possible, as to accustom the athletes to the heat. Hydration is probably the most important thing to remember. Gatorade, water, Powerade, or anything of the likes, just make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Make sure to avoid coffee, alcohol, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Try and have a shady, cool place nearby to stop and rest. On those high humidity days, consider changing practice times or even days.

Have an emergency play in place , in case the worst does happen. Have numbers and first aid kids stocked and accessible. You should be looking to cool off the individual immediately. The most important thing you can do to help prevent heat related deaths is to inform yourself. Knowing the health levels of the players, how to care for those suffering from any heat related illness, and even the weather can go miles in maintaining everyone’s health.

For resources and more information: [http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78649.php” title="MedicalNewsToday">MedicalNewsToday]; [picture]