National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Warn Parents to Take Precautions with Active Kids
WHY IS NAEMT/NATA WARNING OF THE INCREASED RISK FOR HEAT ILLNESS THIS SUMMER?
Dehydration is common – studies show that more than 50 percent of kids show up to sports camps inadequately hydrated. This may put them at greater risk for serious heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Each year, more than 400 people die in the United States due to the effects of heat illness.
More people in the United States die each year from extreme heat exposure than from any other weather-related causes including hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.
WHAT IS HEAT ILLNESS?
Heat illness is often the result of increased body temperature and dehydration. Heat illness has three separate conditions: muscular heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the most serious and deadly of heat illness. The symptoms outlined below are not always additive and do not necessarily occur in orderly, predictable progression. A child could experience heat stroke in absence of other indicators.
Dehydration during exercise or when playing in the heat is a common problem. Some young athletes can begin to suffer the consequences of dehydration if they become dehydrated by just 2 percent of their body weight during exercise in the heat. That’s why it’s important to recognize the warning signs*:
Noticeable thirst
Muscle cramps**
Weakness**
Dry Mouth
Decreased performance
Difficulty paying attention
Headache**
Nausea**
Fatigue**
Lightheaded feeling or dizziness
*If some of these symptoms persist or include disorientation, vomiting, and/or altered consciousness, there is risk of heat stroke. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
**These symptoms can also be associated with hyponatremia (low blood sodium caused by drinking too much fluid), which also requires immediate medical attention.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone who is active outside in the sun; children and the elderly in particular are at high risk.
HOW CAN DEHYDRATION AND HEAT ILNESS BE PREVENTED?
Drinking enough of the right fluids to replace what you lose in sweat is the best defense against heat illness.
Pack fluids for your child to take to activities because they may not be readily available.
Have your child drink at regular intervals before they get thirsty because thirst is not a reliable indicator of hydration.
Choose sports drinks for kids when playing in the heat because the flavor and sodium will encourage more fluid intake than water and help your child stay hydrated and safe.
Remind your child to take periodic breaks from the direct rays of the sun (this may require modifications of established policies during practices, tournaments and games).
Whenever possible, have your child wear light-colored clothing and a hat to reduce over-heating.
Remember that adults are at risk for heat illness too. If you’re joining your child in their activity or if you’re exercising on your own, take the same precautions. Set a good example for your children!
HOW CAN I TELL IF I’M DEHYDRATED?
Check your urine color. Dark, apple-juice-colored urine indicates that you need more fluids. Urine that appears light like lemonade means that you are well hydrated.
Weigh yourself before and after playing outside or being active in the heat. If you lose weight during your workout or workday, this indicates a need for more fluid. If you gain weight - make sure you drink less next time.
If you haven’t felt the urge to urinate in more than 2-3 hours, you may be dehydrated.
WHAT FLUIDS DOES NAEMT/NATA RECOMMEND FOR BEST STAYING HYDRATED?
Research indicates that kids typically only replace half the fluids they lose in sweat when they drink water. The fluids and electrolytes in sports drinks encourage kids to drink more than they would plain water, helping them stay better hydrated and safe on the playing field6.
Sweat is more than just water – it is a combination of fluid, sodium and other electrolytes. Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are formulated with electrolytes to help replace what the body loses in sweat.
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the world’s largest international membership association for EMTs, Paramedics and other professionals working in pre-hospital emergency medicine.
The 30,000 members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. Visit their website at www.NATA.org.