With the beginning of fall pre-season practices upon us, the focus on taking care of those students who participate becomes paramount for coaches, athletic trainers and administrators. One of the biggest areas of focus is the area of heat illness prevention as teams practice in the heat of August.
Whereas football gets the most attention due to the wearing of pads that keep heat from escaping the body, students involved in any sports and activities that are in action during the summer heat are potential victims for heat illness.
Although this year's temperatures have been a welcome change from years past, the same precautions must still be taken by students, parents and coaches alike to help prevent heat illness.
Below are some links to sites that will provide information that can help you as you prepare to beat the heat. As was mentioned at our football player parent meeting, our staff will do what we are required to do to take care of students for the 3 or 4 hours that they are in our supervision, but the other 20 or 21 hours that they are at home or other places away from our supervision are equally as important if not more important in helping them avoid heat illness.
NFHS Position Statement and Tips for Hydration
Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation Beat the Heat Pamphlet
Gatorade Sports Science Institute: "10 Tips to Beat the Heat"