Heat exhaustion prevention

Parks & Recreation, July, 2004

Summertime means longer days, sport practices and rising temperatures. As the days begin to heat up, it is important to take necessary precautions to protect athletes from heat-related illnesses. The best way to prevent problems associated with heat illness is to become properly educated in preventative measures to keep these illnesses from occurring, These and other heat illness precautions can be found in the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) online safety course, P.R.E.P.A.R.E., at www.SportsSafetr.org.

Some of the techniques mentioned in the course include:

Practice and Game Time: Practice and game times should be early morning or early evening when outside temperatures and humidity are lower.

Dress: In hot environments, uniforms should allow for maximum exposure of skin to ensure the evaporation of sweat.

Temperature and Humidity: Temperature and Humidity levels should be monitored before and during practices and games, as these two factors affect the body's ability to lose heat through sweating and evaporation.

For more information about these tips or to contact a medical professional to learn more about heat safety, please contact the NCSS at (877) 900-NCSS or at info@Sports Safety.org.