Laura M. Miele, Ph.D, Sport, Fitness, & Recreation Expert

As the new school year and sports seasons begin, it is imperative to know the signs of heat-related injuries.  Heat-related fatalities and illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, are preventable when trainers, coaches, and parents are properly educated on heat safety.

The human body has the ability to regulate internal temperature through a process known as thermoregulation. Prolonged exposure to heat while exercising can cause excessive fluid loss due to sweating.  This can have dire consequences, resulting in elevated body temperature and dehydration, among others.

Usually, there are signs that someone is fatigued or succumbing to heat exposure.  Trainers and coaches should pay close attention to athletes to make sure they stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Training

Personal trainers must be aware of the climate and environment in which they train their clients.

Best practices for safe exercise in warm or humid conditions include:

• Scheduling training sessions with clients in the early morning or late evening, when the sun is not so hot.
• Ensuring that clients are hydrating to reduce muscular cramps.
• Monitoring clients’ behavior for warning signs, such as excessive sweating or labored breathing.
• Providing shade during breaks, whenever possible.

Sports

Coaches must be properly credentialed to design and provide a safe exercise prescription for their athletes.  This requires awareness of the athletes’ health histories, as certain medical conditions may exacerbate risk of heat-related illness and/or dehydration.

Precautions include:

• Properly supervising practices.
• Minimizing the intensity of the workouts.
• Providing water and increasing the frequency of breaks.
• Paying attention and responding properly to signs and symptoms of overexertion.
• Developing policies and procedures that reflect proper safe and best practices.
• Modifying practices and limiting the amount of equipment used, based on the heat.

Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Some people may not be aware that they are exhibiting signs of heat illness.  It is vital for parents, trainers, and coaches to recognize the signs of heat-related illness, including:

Dehydration

• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Headache
• Lack of energy

Heat Exhaustion

• Dehydration
• Headache
• Profuse sweating or pale skin
• Loss of coordination, dizziness, or fainting
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Persistent muscle cramps
• Stomach cramps

Heat Stroke

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
• Potential loss of consciousness
• Seizures, confusion, emotional instability, combativeness, or irrational behavior
• Headache, dizziness, and weakness
• Hot skin, with or without sweating

Sport teams and athletic facilities should have an emergency action plan in place in case someone experiences one or more of these symptoms.

Heat illness can be very serious; however, it is preventable.  Trainers and coaches should take proper precautions to minimize this risk when working with clients and athletes in hot environments.  Many resources are available to inform trainers, coaches, and parents about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of heat-related illnesses.

Recommended Resources

Heat-Related Illness and Young Athletes: 3 Important Things Parents and Coaches Need to Know | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Recognizing, preventing and treating heat-related illness.  https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extreme/Heat_Illness/index.html

Laura M. Miele, Ph.D, Sport, Fitness, & Recreation Expert with DJS Associates, Inc., can be reached via email at experts@forensicDJS.com or via phone at 215-659-2010.

Categories: Education | Sports & Recreation

Tags: Exercise | Safety Tips | Supervision