Pediatrician George Schaefer has a message for young athletes competing daily in the intense heat and humidity that is typical in northwest Arkansas at this time of year: Education, hydration and acclimation.Schaefer
said while heat exhaustion is a "serious illness," it's also a "preventable illness."He
added parents and coaches must work together to keep the athletes safe during the soccer, football and cross country season, which begins in difficult weather conditions.
Many of the keys to beating the heat are common sense: Wear loose fitting clothes, replace sweat-soaked garments and have access to shade and water.Some others are not as obvious.
"Education is the key," said Schaefer
, who is a running enthusiast and has competed in several road races, including grueling marathons where the body is severely taxed."Young athletes have to become acclimated to the outside environment.It takes about 10 to 14 days to get a body accustomed to the hot conditions."Schaefer
said temperature is only one factor in understanding the heat stress index.A total of 70 percent of process is determined by humidity and another 20 percent by radiation and only 10 percent is air temperature.Early morning or evening practices are preferred over workouts in the middle of the day when conditions outside are at their worst.Schaefer
advises drinking fluids before, during and after any type of athletic activity.
"Pre-hydration is critical and an athlete who is pre-hydrated will usually perform better," he
said."Water should also be served cold because athletes are more likely to drink more of a colder beverage.It's also good to supplement sometimes with sports drinks if you are working out for extended periods of time.They provide energy and enhance performance.A good rule is drinking 8 fluid ounces for every 20 to 30 minutes of exercise."
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, muscle weakness, flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and dizziness.
Urine output is also decreased, according to Schaefer
Athletes usually suffer heat stroke because of lack of acclimation, overzealous performance and dehydration.Schaefer
said if heat stroke is not recognized quickly, the mortality rate increases as body temperature rises.Dr. Schaefer is a pediatrician at Rogers Pediatric Clinic and a staff member at St. Mary's Hospital.
To contact Schaefer
, call 636-9234.
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