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 off1. Sweating2. capillaries open causing redness and release heat3. Drinking cool water helps regulate body temperature.

D. Importance of Water:1. Body = 75% water2. Heart = 80% water3. Brain = 80% water4. Muscles = 75% water5. 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 illness1. 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 thirst2. Weakness (gradual) 3. Nausea4. light headedness 5. Headache6. Anxiety7. Dizziness8. Fainting9. profuse sweating10.cold and clammy skin11.pale or grayish skin12.weak and rapid pulse13.fast shallow respiration14.core temperature is near normal15. 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 liquids2. Remove excess clothing and rub

athletes body with a cool, wet towel3. Instruct athlete to stay out of heat for

the rest of the day4. Replace lost water and salt5. 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 headache2. extreme weakness3. Nausea4. serious disorientation5. warm dry skin 6. lack of sweating7. rapid full pulse8. high core temperature9. Unconsciousness10.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 sun3. 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 exercise5. 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 15-20 minutes with rest, force fluids

Preventing Heat Illness1. 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 clothing15. Observe athletes carefully for signs of heat

illness

END OF HEAT ILLNESSES