2020 |Murrieta Valley Nighthawks | Heat Illness

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

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Heat Index

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What is Heat Illness?

“Exercise produces heat within the body and when performed on a hot humid day with additional barriers to heat loss, such as padding and equipment, the athlete’s core body temperature can become dangerously high. If left untreated, this elevation of the core body temperature can cause organ systems to shut down in the body” (https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf).

“Young athletes should be pre-screened at their pre-participation physical evalution for heat illness risk factors including medication/supplement use, cardiac disease, history of sickle cell trait, febrile or gastrointestinal illness, obesity and previous heat injury. Athletes with nonmodifiable risk factors should be closely supervised activities in a hot or humid climate” (https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf).

“Sweating is one way the body tried to reduce an elevated core temperature. Once sweat (salt and water) leaves the body, it must be replaced. Water is the best hydration replacement, but for those athletes exercising for long periods of time where electrolytes may be lost, commercial sports drinks with electrolytes are available. Energy drinks that contain caffeine or other “natural” stimulants are not adequate or appropriate hydration for athletes and can even be dangerous by causing abnormal heart rhythms” (https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf).

How to Prevent?

Several ways to prevent Heat Illnesses included: Adequate Hydration: “Arrive well-hydrated at practices, games and in between exercise sessions. Urine appears clear or light yellow (like lemonade) in well-hydrated individuals and dark (like apple juice) in dehydrated individuals. Water/sports drinks should be readily available and served chilled in containers that allow adequate volumes of fluid to be ingested. Water breaks should occur at least every 15-20 minutes and should be long enough to allow athletes to ingest adequate fluid volumes (4-8 ounces)” (https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf).

Gradual Acclimatization: “Intensity and duration of exercise should be gradually increased over a period of 7-14 days to give athletes time to build fitness levels and become accustomed to practicing in the heat.

Protective equipment should be introduced in phases (start with helmet, progress to helmet and

shoulder pads, and finally fully equipped)” (https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf).

Additional Ways to Prevent Heat Illness and Aid in Heat Loss:  Light-colored, light-weight synthetic clothing  Adequate rest breaks (in shade if possible)  Avoid drinks with ephedrine or high doses of caffeine  Eat a well-balanced diet  Replace lost electrolytes  Adjust practices or games dependent on extreme weather/environmental conditions  Athletes with predisposing conditions to heat should be heavily supervised  Coaches should additional be aware of the heat and environmental conditions  An athlete should drink approximately 16 oz of fluid for each kilogram of fluid lost (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)

New Law Requiring Training in Heat Illness for all California Coaches Took Effect January 1, 2019 “On June 1, 2018, AB 2800 - California High School Coaching Education and Training Program: heat illness, was signed into law by Governor Brown that requires coaches when renewing their CPR/FIRST AID, Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) certification that they also complete separate training in the signs and symptoms of heat illness. The law took effect on January 1, 2019.

A FREE online course “Heat Illness Prevention” is available through the CIF and NFHS at https://nfhslearn.com/courses/61140/heat-illness-prevention and will satisfy this mandated requirement by California law.

Heat illness is a preventable tragedy. It is imperative that school leaders ensure, that those adults working directly with our students have the knowledge and ability to minimize risks and reduce injuries for the students they serve.

A proper acclimatization plan is essential to minimize the risk of exertional heat illness during the early season practice period. Gradually increasing athletes’ exposure to the duration and intensity of physical activity and to the environment minimizes heat illness risk while improving athletic performance. California has a wide range of environmental factors (beaches, mountains,

deserts) that face schools and student-athletes and the acclimatization period is vital to minimize the risk.� https://cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/index CIF Heat Illness Parent/Student Information Sheet https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/Parent_Student_CIF_Heat_Illness_Information_Sheet.pdf CIF Heat Illness Links Heat Exhaustion: https://www.cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/heat_exhaustion Heat Stroke: https://www.cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/heat_stroke Heat Syncope: https://www.cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/heat_syncope Exertional Hyponatremia: https://www.cifstate.org/sportsmedicine/heat_illness/exertional_hyponatremia Heat Cramps: https://www.cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/heat_cramps NFHS Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement https://www.nfhs.org/media/1014745/nfhs-heat-acclimatization-final-april-2018.pdf OSHA Heat Safety Tool https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html FREE COURSE - NFHS Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention https://nfhslearn.com National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-index