Nationwide Safety Reminder Issued as Heatstroke Cases Cause Alarm

Nationwide Safety Reminder Issued as Heatstroke Cases Cause Alarm

In the heat of summer, athletes and coaches must take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the most severe case, heatstroke. Two tragic incidents involving high school football players, Joshua Henderson (16, Tennessee) and Mikah King (15, Georgia), underscore the importance of proper preparation and safety measures[1].

To reduce the risk of these conditions, it is crucial to gradually acclimate the body to heat over 10–14 days[1][3][5]. This process involves starting with shorter, lighter workouts and increasing intensity gradually. This helps the body adapt by improving sweat efficiency, blood volume, and electrolyte retention.

Hydration is another key factor in preventing heat-related illnesses. Athletes should drink water continuously before and during activity, aiming for about a cup every 20 minutes, even if not thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages that impair hydration[1][2][4].

Wearing the right clothing is also essential. Athletes should opt for light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that promotes airflow and provides UV protection. Reducing heavy equipment or using lightweight alternatives when possible is also recommended[1][2].

The timing of practices is crucial. Avoid practicing during the hottest times of the day, and if possible, schedule workouts early morning or evening. If indoor facilities are available, moving practices indoors can also help[2][4].

Implementing frequent rest breaks every 20 minutes or so, preferably in shaded areas, is another important precaution. This allows the body to cool down[1][2].

Coaches should also be aware of athletes' medical history, including obesity or medications that may affect heat tolerance, to tailor precautions accordingly[1][5].

If symptoms of heatstroke appear, moving the athlete to a cooler environment, using cold-water immersion or cooling towels, and seeking medical help if necessary are crucial steps[3]. Cooling down the body immediately is crucial before taking the person to the hospital[2]. Once the body has begun cooling down, seeking aid, including calling 911 for an ambulance, is important.

Laurie Martin-Giordano, the president of the Zach Martin Foundation, emphasized the importance of self-advocacy for athletes. She spoke on Fox & Friends about the need for athletes to ensure they get proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep[6]. She also highlighted the importance of coaches understanding athletes' medical histories and tailoring precautions accordingly.

Tragically, Zach Martin (16) died of heatstroke during summer football practice in Florida in 2017[7]. After collapsing, Zach had a body temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit[7]. A core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit is significant because it is when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature[8].

To prevent such tragedies, it is essential to limit outdoor activity during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest, drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more, and schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler[2][4].

References:

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heatstroke. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heatstroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20355293

[2] National Athletic Trainers' Association. (2021). Heat Illness Prevention. https://www.nata.org/resources/return-to-play/heat-illness-prevention

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Death. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat-related-illness-and-death.html

[4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Heat-Related Illnesses and Injuries in Children and Adolescents. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Heat-Related-Illnesses-and-Injuries-in-Children-and-Adolescents.aspx

[5] American Heart Association. (2021). Heat-Related Illnesses. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/heat-related-illnesses

[6] Fox & Friends. (2021). Laurie Martin-Giordano on the Zach Martin Foundation. https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/fox-friends-monday-july-12-2021

[7] Orlando Sentinel. (2017). Zach Martin: Florida teen dies from heatstroke during football practice. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ne-zach-martin-heatstroke-death-20170802-story.html

[8] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hyperthermia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20366031

• Maintaining proper hydration, nutrition, and self-advocacy are vital aspects of an athlete's health-and-wellness, as emphasized by Laurie Martin-Giordano from the Zach Martin Foundation [6].
• To ensure optimal mental-health and performance, athletes should consider incorporating fitness-and-exercise routines that include gradual acclimatization to heat, proper hydration, and fluid replacement with water or sports drinks [1][2][4].
• Nutritionists suggest a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, combined with regular fitness-and-exercise, as a comprehensive approach to improving overall health and mental-health [2][4].

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