I.Heat Illness

A.Core Temperature: Temperature of brain, heart and lungs and abdominal organs. B.Shell Temperature: Temperature of skin and muscles Normal core temperature: 98.6 degrees F core temperatures are fatal above: 100 degrees F Humidity and wind affect temperature (higher humidity the higher the temperature and vice versa) when outside temperatures exceeds 80 degrees F sweating is how the body dissipates heat Larger and overweight people are more prone to heat illness C.Ways the body cools off 1.Sweating 2.capillaries open causing redness and release heat 3.Drinking cool water helps regulate body temperature.

D.Importance of Water: 1.Body = 75% water 2.Heart = 80% water 3.Brain = 80% water 4.Muscles = 75% water 5.Skin = 70% water a.For each pound lost during exercise = 16oz of water b.Dehydration tests 1.If you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated 2.Dark color urine 3.Pinch test, looking for skin rebound

E.Types of heat illness 1. Hyperthermia: temperature above 101 degrees F; 2nd most frequent cause of sports death 2. Heat Cramp: Muscle fatigue and spasms (lack of water or electrolyte imbalance)

Signs/Symptoms: 1.Excessive thirst 2.Weakness (gradual) 3.Nausea 4.light headedness 5.Headache 6.Anxiety 7.Dizziness 8.Fainting 9.profuse sweating 10.cold and clammy skin 11.pale or grayish skin 12.weak and rapid pulse 13.fast shallow respiration 14.core temperature is near normal 15.low blood pressure 3.Heat Exhaustion: Cause: Excessive depletion of fluids and electrolytes (salt, potassium and magnesium) due to profuse sweating.

 Treatment for heat exhaustion: 1.Have athlete lie down in a cold place and drink liquids 2.Remove excess clothing and rub athletes body with a cool, wet towel 3.Instruct athlete to stay out of heat for the rest of the day 4.Replace lost water and salt 5.Take to hospital if complications develop Athletes are very susceptible to having heat illness again.

4.Heat Stroke: Cause: Overheating due to a breakdown of the thermoregulartory system. [MEDICAL EMERGENCY! LIFE THREATENING!] Signs/Symptoms: 1.extreme headache 2.extreme weakness 3.Nausea 4.serious disorientation 5.warm dry skin 6.lack of sweating 7.rapid full pulse 8.high core temperature 9.Unconsciousness 10.seizures 11.coma

Treatment for heat stroke: 1.Chance for survival depends on how rapidly help is received [THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY CALL 911] 2.Get athlete out of sun 3.Cool body immediately by spraying with cold water, applying cool and wet towels, and fanning. 4.Full body immersions in cold water if possible, examples cold whirl pool or cool bath tub 5.Place ice or cold packs under arms and groin area.

1.Educate the athlete - full disclosure of the risk, prevention and treatment of heat illness 2.Know the physical condition of the athletes and set practice schedules accordingly 3.Acclimatization- becoming accustomed to exercising in hot temperatures which usually takes 10 to 14 days 4.Drink fluids before, during and after exercise 5.Intensity of workout lowered during high heat periods. Workout in cooler part of the day 6.Water should be available in unlimited quantities, cold water empties into the intestine faster 7.Water breaks every minutes with rest, force fluids Preventing Heat Illness 1.Each athlete should have a physical exam with a medical history or previous heat illness

9.Increase salt intake and electrolyte beverages 10.Keep weight records; athlete should not lose more than 3% to 5% of body weight during practice. Drink quart of water per pound lost 11.Know both the temperature and humidity readings, (wet bulb/sling psychrometer) 12.Eat a well balanced diet, fat intake should be minimal 13.Wear lightweight uniforms on high temperature days 14.Never wear rubberized clothing 15.Observe athletes carefully for signs of heat illness

END OF HEAT ILLNESSES