Apart from volleyball, the vast majority of sports that are played in the fall of the year in Kentucky (cross country, football, soccer, golf) are played outside. Although we label these as “fall sports,” the beginning of the season, and certainly the training that starts much earlier, requires battling the summer heat and humidity.
According to the CDC, approximately 700 people die from heat-related illnesses each year. We have all been sunburned; some have had the rash from “sun poisoning,” and cramps are common during sporting events. Thankfully, awareness regarding heat exhaustion and heatstroke makes them relatively rare. But an understanding of each of these diagnoses may save the life of someone you know.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold-pale-clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Athletes who show these findings need to be moved to a cool place, loosen their clothing, and slowly sip water.
Heatstroke is life-threatening!! In addition to most of the symptoms above, body temperatures are >103 degrees F, skin is hot-red-dry (classically, a lack of sweating), and there is a mental status change. There is often severe confusion, agitation, or a loss of consciousness. Call 911! Heatstroke is a medical emergency. The body temperature must be cooled externally but do not give them anything cold to drink as this can make them worse.
Our late summer and early fall weather cannot be changed, but we can certainly be prepared before our athletes play. Pre-participation hydration is by far the most important and should be started days in advance. Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. Remember to take plenty of breaks, preferably in the shade.
Good luck to our athletes this fall.
