Marshall Steele, orthopedic surgeon, author of Sideline Help and member of USA Football'shealth & safety committee,offers his advice on avoiding heat exhaustion.
Steele notes that prevention is a key factor. "Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are preventable," said Steele. "Heat emergencies usually occur under conditions of extreme heat and humidity, so overweight, unconditioned, or overdressed players are at high risk, especially during preseason training. Coaches must allow players frequent water breaks."
Dr. Steele's Quick Tips for Avoiding Heat Stroke:
- Because the sensation of being thirsty lags behind the body's actual physical need for water, encourage players to drink even when they are not thirsty.
- Do not allow players to take salt tablets. Instead, provide them with electrolyte sports drinks.
- A player who develops cramps, weakness, fatigue, and nausea is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (a precursor to heat stroke) and should be made to rest in the shade and drink fluids to cool off.
- Remember, the player may have been sweating, so his or her skin may at first seem wet or clammy rather than dry.
- When treating a heat stroke victim for shock, keep the player cool rather than warm.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.