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 Health News & Illness Prevention

Click here for: CDC fact sheet on head injury prevention & information for parents & coaches (PDF)

Click here for: CDC Head Injury & Concussion facts booklet (PDF booklet)

Click here for: Head Injury pocket quick guide for coaches (PDF sheet)

Click here for: CDC guidelines for prevention & treatment of heat illness. PDF (PDF booklet)

 

GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

Heat illness occurs when heat produced by physical activity combines with that gained from the environment to exceed the heat-losing capacity of the body (ex. by sweating). Normally, the body decreases its temperature in two ways: (1) by increasing blood flow to the body surface, and (2) by sweating that cools by evaporation. When the environmental humidity approaches or reaches 80 percent, evaporation of sweat ceases, and dissipation of heat is no longer possible.

_To aid in the prevention of heat-related illness, here are some recommendations:

bulletEnsure that kids are well hydrated (DRINK A LOT).
bulletPlain water is the liquid of choice, with sports drinks – such as Gatorade® – and diluted fruit juice acceptable forms of fluid replacement.  Avoid  caffeine - it will increase the rate body fluid loss (urination) - which will increase the child's chance of becoming dehydrated.
bulletEncourage students to wear loose fitting summer clothing.
bulletIn order to prevent heat fatigue, try to offer rest periods.
bulletIf possible, provide shade during breaks, and or over dugouts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNS OF HEAT EMERGENCIES:

 

 

 

 

Heat Cramps

SYMPTOMS:
 

 

TREATMENT:

 

bulletMuscular cramps brought on by exercise and the resulting loss of sodium
bulletMove the person to a cooler place to rest in a comfortable position.

TREATMENT

bulletLightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.
bulletGive person small amounts (4 oz.- 5 oz.) of water every 15 minutes.
bulletDO NOT GIVE ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE; THIS CAN WORSEN THE CONDITION.

 

 

 

 

Heat Exhaustion

SYMPTOMS:



 


TREATMENT:

bulletCool, moist, pale or flushed skin
bulletHeavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting
bulletDizziness and exhaustion
bulletBody temperature near normal

TREATMENT

bulletMove the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
bulletRemove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool wet cloths, such as towels or sheets.
bulletIf the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
bulletObserve the victim carefully for changes in condition.
bulletDO NOT GIVE ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE; THIS CAN WORSEN THE CONDITION.

 

 

 

 

Heat Stroke

SYMPTOMS:




 


TREATMENT:

bulletHot, red skin
bulletChange in consciousness, irritability, confusion
bulletRapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing
bulletBody temperature can be very high – sometimes as high as 105 degrees F.
bulletSkin may feel wet or dry.

TREATMENT

bulletCall 911 or your local emergency number.
bulletQuickly cool the body: Immerse victim in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan the victim.
bulletIf victim refuses water, is vomiting or shows a decreased level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.