Published date: July 14, 2021
Don't let the relatively mild summer we've had fool you: Developing athletes are still at risk for heat illness. The medical team at Arkansas Children's expects to see more young athletes come to our Emergency Department needing treatment for heat exhaustion and even heat stroke through the fall.
* Content updated August 4, 2021
Now practices and games are in full swing - for football players, cheerleaders, and marching band members alike. Unfortunately, these nice breezy summer days mean young athletes may not have had a chance to acclimate to the heat - an important part of preventing heat illness.
Parents, coaches, and their own teammates need to be on the lookout for the signs of heat illness.
A few years ago, during a particularly brutal summer, several high school football players ended up in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit because of heat illness. Catching these kids and getting them treatment early can save their lives.
Jonathan Elrod, a member of the Sports Medicine team at Arkansas Children's, said the first step is truly acclimatization.
"We want the kids to carefully begin spending progressively longer times exercising outdoors as they prepare for summer practices," Elrod said. "This is very important for their health."
A few basic good health principles can also help:
Elrod says athletes should avoid anything loaded with sugar or caffeine and says absolutely no energy drinks should be consumed.
Elrod also reminds us that what athletes wear when they practice is also important to consider. Go with as few layers as possible of lightweight, moisture-wicking materials. It may also be helpful to change into dry clothes often.
Cooling bandanas or towels are only helpful if they stay exposed to the wind. If they become wet beneath shoulder pads and helmets, they're only going to trap heat in and make the situation worse. These items may be a good idea after heat exposure, but Elrod advises against them during practice.
Arkansas Children’s offers a one-stop approach for all sports injury needs including orthopedic surgeons, sport medicine physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists and rehab medicine.
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