This week, high school athletes locally and throughout Michigan will begin practices for the fall season.
Along with making sure their players are learning the fundamentals of their sport, coaches are also making sure the players are properly hydrated.
The prevention of heatstroke has been a prevalent topic of discussion ever since Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer died in August 2001 after collapsing from heatstroke.
Brandon varsity football coach Ron Gill said making sure the guys on the team are properly hydrated is a top priority for his staff ? and a change from when he played football as a youngster.
‘Back when I was a kid, they wouldn’t let you drink water,? he said. ‘Now, we’re constantly giving them water.?
Gill said in his 12 years of coaching, he has never had any problems with kids suffering from heatstroke, and also said the consistent water breaks have a lot to do with that fact.
He also schedules practices so the team won’t have to work during the hottest part of the day. ‘We try to schedule practices mostly in the evening,? he said.
Gill said water breaks are scheduled as frequently as every 5-10 minutes, depending on the weather. ‘The hotter it is, the more frequently we schedule them,? he said.
In fact, Gill said he and his staff sometimes have to persuade team members to get a drink of water for their own safety.
‘During any drill, the kids are allowed to get a drink of water,? he said. ‘We regularly schedule water breaks, and tell them they have to get a drink of water, even when they don’t want to. We’re fortunate to have a certified athletic trainer at practice.?
However, Gill said proper water habits on the part of the team don’t end once practice is finished.
‘We encourage them to be constantly drinking water at home,? he said. ‘It’s just good health to be drinking water.?
The Centers for Disease Control (a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services), based in Atlanta, offer the following tips to prevent heat-related illness:
‘Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.
‘Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar ? these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
‘Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.
‘Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
‘Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
‘Some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: infants and young children, people age 65 or older, people with mental illness, and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
Details: www.cdc.gov.