If you’ve ever spent a summer in Georgia, you know the sweltering heat. You may have described it as roasting, scorching or even blistering, and you’d probably agree that exercising in that kind of heat is a ridiculous notion. But many young athletes are gearing up for summer training right when school lets out and temperatures spike.
Heat-related illness is responsible for thousands of emergency department visits by young athletes every year. The temperature outside is not the only indicator of heat; humidity also plays a major role. Always be aware of the heat index, which is a measure of both temperature and humidity—it’s available through the local weather service online. For example, when the temperature is 90°F and the humidity is 80 percent, the heat index is 115°F, which places athletes at risk of suffering a heat-related injury.
Whether for free play or year-round organized sports, it’s incredibly important for kids to stay hydrated and for parents and caregivers to know the signs of heat-related illness.
If your young athlete suffers from heat-related illness, where you take him for treatment matters. At Children's, our pediatric-trained team only works with children and teens.