Your body temperature can get to 106 degrees F or higher if you have heat stroke.Teens who play sports are more susceptible to heat stroke.During the warmer months, many sporting practices and games are held outside.Teens can quickly get overheated in the hot weather.Help your teen athlete stay safe by teaching them about the signs of heat stroke and how to prevent it.
Step 1: Understand heat stroke signs.
Help educate your teen about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke is one of the best things you can do.They can identify the symptoms of heat stroke if they're away from you.Tell them about the following signs: headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, red skin, and altered state of mind.
Step 2: You should drink a minimum of 80 ounces or 2 liters of fluids a day.
To prevent heatstroke in teen athletes, encourage them to stay hydrated throughout the day as well as in the days before athletic activity.One of the best prevention methods is this.Adequate hydration is important.Your body is able to sweat if it has enough fluids.Tell your teen to drink before and after sports practices and events.They're at higher risk of heatstroke if they go into an activity already dehydrated from not drinking.They should aim for about 64 ounces or about 2 liters of fluids during the day.They may need 80 oz (2 1/2 liters) or more during the hot summer months.Only clear, hydrating fluids count towards this goal.Coffee and tea don't count towards fluid count.
Step 3: Don't go to the hottest parts of the day.
It's important for teens to know that there are better times to practice and exercise.You can advise them to stay out of the sun during the day if you don't have full control over their practices or events.There are times in the day when the sun and temperature are the highest.You have the highest risk of getting heat stroke during this time.It's best to stay indoors between 11 am and 3 pm.This is when the sun is the strongest.If your teen needs to be active, tell them to aim for an early morning practice session or something later in the evening.It's the safest time to be active.
Step 4: Get used to the hot weather.
If you and your teen know that they will have practices or events coming up in the hot weather, it's a good idea to help them get used to it.If your teen hasn't been active in the warm weather, they could be at risk for heatstroke.Your teen's body is not used to hot weather.Take note of your teen's activity calendar and plan to get them active before their sporting season starts.It can take several weeks for your teen's body to adjust to the warmer weather.It's important to plan in advance.
Step 5: People are discouraged exercising in heavy clothing.
The practice of wearing heavier clothing is encouraged by some teen sports.This is not appropriate for hot weather activities.Some teen sports, like wrestling, encourage teens to wear heavier clothes in order to lose water weight and get in shape.Teens should always be discouraged from practicing outdoors in the summer heat.This practice is dangerous.Light, loose fitting clothing, such as cotton, is what your teen should be wearing.This is safer for them.
Step 6: You can talk to the coach or athletic director.
To hit the point home, speak to your teen's athletic director or coach.They can provide guidance to your teen, but also give you information about when practice is.Get to know the coach when your teen signs up for a sport.When practices are, what time the events are and where they are held are things to ask about.Ask the coach if emergency plans or medical treatments are available to the teens.If the practices and games are held outside during the day, ask the coach what they can do to keep the teen hydrated and safe.Ask the coach if the teens are taught how to stay safe and healthy during practice.You can reuse some of the advice.
Step 7: Get a physical.
Before the start of the sports season, take your teen to their primary care doctor if this is not required.Make sure they are cleared to participate in the sport during hot weather.Teens are required to get a physical clearance from their doctor if they want to play sports.Many practices and events are held in the heat.Ask the doctor if they have any concerns about your teen exercising outside.Check out the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion so your teen can get some education from the doctor.
Step 8: Purchase athletic clothing that's right for you.
Make sure your teen has enough athletic clothing when they start their sport.Make sure the clothing is comfortable in the heat.Since heavy weight clothing could increase their risk of heat stroke, you need to purchase more light weight and light colored clothing.Light colored clothing helps reflect sunlight and keep your body cooler.Light weight fabrics are designed to absorb sweat from the body.Specialty fabrics are designed for high intensity sports in warm weather.If you want to stock up on clothing for your teen, take them to a fitness equipment store or specialty clothing store.
Step 9: Purchase a bottle of water.
Make sure your teen is prepared with their own resources, since many sports teams provide water and other beverages.Purchase a bottle of water with your teen.They don't mind carrying along with them a water bottle that they like.It's a good idea to get one for them to carry to class.Get a second one that they can toss in their gym bag and have with them during practice or events.It's a good idea to remind your teen to fill up their water bottle on a regular basis.
Step 10: Use sunscreen.
Provide your teen athlete with sunscreen if they have a lot of practices and sporting events outside.You may be surprised, but sunscreen is part of a great defense against heat stroke.If your teen gets sunburned while practicing outdoors, their body's ability to cool itself will be affected.When your teen's skin is damaged, it isn't as good at cooling off.You need a minimum SPF of 15 to use a sunscreen.Your teen should apply their sunscreen at least 30 minutes before leaving the house.If they're sweating continuously, they need to apply every two hours.
Step 11: You should keep a stock of electrolyte beverages.
It's not just fluids that your teen is losing when they're outside.electrolytes need to be replaced in order to hydration.Many teen athletes drink sports drinks.Some, not all, are great ideas for your teen to use during practice so they don't sweat and lose all their electrolytes.There are sports drinks that have added electrolytes.The ingredients should be listed in the label.Drinks with high levels of added sugar or caffeine are not acceptable.It's a good idea to give your teen a sports drink that is half water and half sugar, because the sugar content of the drink will be closer to their blood sugar levels.If you stock up on these beverages at home, your teen will be able to grab one on their way to school or practice.
Step 12: Provide shade from the sun.
Providing shade is another way to keep your teen cool.Help them get out of the sun's hot rays so they can take a break.If you can, bring your teen with you to practice.Allow them to bring some of these items with them.It is possible to set up a tent or umbrella on the beach.They can rest in the shade.You can give them a wide brimmed hat or umbrella that will allow them to get their head and face in the shade.
Step 13: You should go to the ER or urgent care immediately.
If your teen is experiencing any of the symptoms of heat stroke after being out in the sun, you need to get them help as soon as possible.Bring your teen to the ER if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms: headaches, racing heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting, flushed or red skin, mental confusion or altered state of mind, or has a body temperature above 104 F or 40 C.If your child has one symptom of heatstroke, you need to act immediately.If you have a teen with you, take them to a cool place and then to the ER or urgent care center.If your teen can't help themselves, you need to tell them to call the police.
Step 14: Go inside and use a fan.
While you wait for help, you need to get your teen cooled down as quickly as possible.Bringing your teen inside is the first step.There is an inside area with air conditioning.This could be inside of a building or a car that has been idling for a long time.Do you know if you can find a fan?Your teen is keeping their body temperature cool.Ice packs should be applied to the teen's neck.
Step 15: Remove as much clothing as possible.
It's also a good idea to remove their clothing when you get your teen indoors.Another way to lower their body temperature is through this.If your teen is showing signs of heatstroke, don't worry about embarrassing them by removing their clothes.They will be able to cool quicker inside in front of the fan by getting their body temperature lower.They should remove as many of their clothes as possible.They should keep their undergarments on.When clothes are removed, you can spray them down with cool water.You can put them in the tub, use a hose or pour water on them.
Step 16: Rehydrate.
Encourage your teen to drink fluids if they start to experience signs of heatstroke.Go to a cool place if your teen is doing anything.Encourage hydration.This can help the body cool itself down.Cold water, sparkling water and electrolyte drinks are great for hydrating.Do not give them drinks that are too sweet and do not allow them to have alcohol.If your teen is conscious and able to drink on their own, then encourage them to do so.