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Preventing heatstroke and exhaustion
The following recommendations for the prevention of heatstroke and exhaustion were prepared by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (UNC) Annual Survey of Football Injury Research for The American Football Coaches Association, the NCAA and The National Federation of State High School Associations. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are prevented by careful control of various factors in the conditioning program of the athlete. When football activity is carried on in hot weather, the following suggestions and precautions should be taken: 1. Each athlete should have a complete physical examination with medical history and an annual health history update. History of previous heat illness and type of training activities before organized practice begins should be included. 2. Acclimatize athletes to heat gradually by providing graduated practice sessions for the first seven to ten days and other abnormally hot or humid days. 3. Know both the temperature and the humidity since it is more difficult for the body to cool itself in high humidity. Use of a sling psychrometer is recommended to measure the relative humidity and anytime the wet-bulb temperature is over 78 degrees practice should be altered. 4. Adjust activity level and provide frequent rest periods. Rest in cool, shaded areas with some air movement and remove helmets and loosen or remove jerseys. Rest periods of 15-30 minutes should be provided during workouts of one hour. 5. Provide adequate cold water replacement during practice. Water should always be available and in unlimited quantities to the athletes. GIVE WATER REGULARLY. 6. Salt should be replaced daily and liberal salting of the athletes' food will accomplish this purpose. Coaches should not provide salt tablets to athletes. Attention must be directed to water replacement. 7. Athletes should weigh each day before and after practice and weight charts checked in order to treat the athlete who loses excessive weight each day. Generally, a three percent body weight loss through sweating is safe, and a five percent loss is in the danger zone. 8. Clothing is important and a player should avoid use of long sleeves, long stockings, and any excess clothing. Never use rubberized clothing or sweatsuits. 9. Some athletes are more susceptible to heat injury. These individuals are not accustomed to work in the heat, may be overweight, and may be the eager athlete who constantly competes at his capacity. Athletes with previous heat problems should be watched closely. 10. It is important to observe for signs of heat illness. Some trouble signs are nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, cramps, weak rapid pulse, flushed appearance, visual disturbances, and unsteadiness. Heat stroke victims, contrary to popular belief, may sweat profusely. If heat illness is suspected, seek a physician's immediate service. Recommended emergency procedures are vital.
11. An increasing number of medical personnel are now using treatment for heat illnesses that involves applying either alcohol or cool water to the victim's skin and is followed by vigorous fanning. The fanning causes evaporation and cooling.
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