Heat Related Conditions Environmental Concerns

1. Heat Related ConditionsEnvironmental Concerns Sports Medicine I

2. Three basic environment conditions Heat Cold Altitude Environmental Conditions

3. High temps and high humidity can negatively impact Athletic performance Adversely affect health Threaten life A plan must be in place prior to any season Must address issues of the environment Heat Related Conditions(Hyperthermia)

4. Exercise generates heat that must dissipate If body retains too much heat, victim can die Body cools itself through sweating mechanism Heat is carried away from body through evaporation of perspiration Hyperthermia

5. Cooling process can be interrupted in two ways Humidity so high that sweat doesn’t evaporate Thermoregulatory system disrupted which means sweating ceases Sweating Mechanism

6. Prehydration and Rehydration Acclimatization Preparticipation Physical Examination Wear proper clothing Use weight charts Monitor environmental conditions Salt tablets Be prepared to give first aid Adequate rest Diets high in electrolytes Awareness of on-going illnesses and/or conditions How to Prevent Heat Related Problems?

7. Fluid loss of 3% of total body weight can adversely affect performance Can initiate heat illness Need to drink fluids before, during, & after athletic events Prehydration and Rehydration

8. How to replace fluids? 34oz. Two hours before activity 13-17oz. 15 min before activity 13-17oz. Every 30 min during activity Do not deny an athlete water or rest at any time!!! Dehydration: the process of water loss by the body Prehydration and Rehydration

9. The process of getting the body use to the weather conditions for sport Typically takes 14 days to fully acclimate Gradually increase activity Acclimatization

10. Should be asked about previous occurrence of heat illness problems Identify susceptible individuals Monitor all athletes Pre-Participation Physicals

11. Light, loose fitting clothing Allows air to move over body Clothing that binds, traps heat Helmets should be off during breaks No rubberized clothing Wear Proper Clothing

12. Weigh before and after practice Athletes must regain lost water Significant fluid loss (3%) can not participate next day if not replaced Weight Charts

13. Monitor conditions High temps and humidity affects ability to regulate body temperature Limit intensity of practice during high heat stress days Monitor Weather Conditions

14. Amount of water needed to balance salt intake is much more than the athlete can comfortably drink Increase salt during meals Fluids are more important than salt in avoiding heat problems Salt Tablets

15. Be prepared to give first aid Know signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke Adequate rest Have adequate periods of rest between sessions Diets with high electrolytes Must replace sodium Awareness of conditions Monitor all individuals Keep close eye on those at high risk Other Important Issues

16. MSNBC Video: Heat Exhaustion and Student Athletes • http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/32550447#32550447