Back-to-School and Extreme Heat
As students return to school and dive into sports, the summer heat poses significant health risks. In this blog, we talked to David Hopkins, D.O., a board-certified family medicine physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Guthrie about the health risks of rising temperatures and the dangers posed to young athletes.
The health risks of unrelenting heat
It’s no surprise that summertime is hot, especially in Oklahoma. But it’s important to realize that extreme heat is increasingly an issue. Two-a-days and practices in full pads are more intense today than they were several years ago, and the idea of “sweating it out” can do more harm than good.
According to NASA analysis of global daily temperatures, 2024 is the hottest year ever recorded.
Hospitals have reported an increasing number of emergency room visits in recent years as a result of more frequent, and longer lasting, heat waves across the nation. In fact, more people die from complications due to extreme heat than other weather events like floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- A fast but weak pulse
- Skin that is cold, pale and clammy
Heatstroke, an escalation of heat exhaustion, can cause severe damage, including brain swelling and an increased heart rate, leading the body to go into shock (characterized by low blood pressure, confusion, possible coma and potential damage to internal organs). In its most extreme form, heatstroke can result in the shutdown of vital organs and even death.
“Heat related illnesses account for thousands of emergency room visits every year and are among the leading causes of death in young athletes,” says Hopkins. “If you think someone is experiencing a heatstroke, call 911 right away as it’s a medical emergency and they’ll require immediate care.”
Preparing for back to school and summer sports
The end of summer break and return to school can be an exciting time for student athletes looking forward to participating in their chosen sport. The eagerness of youth and the desire to go all out on the field can spell danger, particularly when it’s hot outside. The last thing on many kids’ minds is drinking water or wearing sun protection.
- Studies show that nearly 70% of adolescents do not consume enough fluids before and during sports, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Further, what’s considered hot weather when it comes to health may be a lower temperature than you’d expect. Risk rises with the degrees, but heat-related illnesses can pose harm starting at 85 degrees and counting. Factors like humidity and a lack of shade can also point to a heightened need to be on the lookout.
Steps to prevent harm
The good news is that heat exhaustion and heatstroke are highly preventable. Research shows that schools implementing structured hydration and cooling-down protocols report a 50% reduction in heat-related incidents among student athletes.
Here are some steps to keep in mind to keep student athletes safe during the hotter months.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor students for signs of heat stress and dehydration.
- Hydration: Ensure that students are drinking plenty of water before, during and after sports activities. Provide frequent water breaks during practice.
- Cool Down Areas: Set up shaded or air-conditioned areas where students can take breaks and cool down.
- Education: Educate students about the importance of hydration and recognizing the early symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
- Safety Protocols: Schools should develop and enforce heat safety protocols, including modifying practice schedules during peak heat times.
- Community Involvement: Encourage parents and community members to support and reinforce these safety measures at home and during community events.
“If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion,” Hopkins advises, “move them to an air-conditioned place or in the shade, loosen their clothes or change into lightweight clothing to allow sweat to evaporate, put cool cloths on their body if possible and give them water to hydrate. Seek medical help if vomiting occurs and if their symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour.”
