Agility training in the summer means climbing temperatures and working out and practicing in the heat. Consequently, young athletes do not adjust to high temperatures as well as adults. It is also imperative to be know how to prevent heat illness and be aware of the warning signs. These illnesses can be any type such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Whether your child or your team is doing strength training workouts as a coach, or parent, you want to be aware of the seriousness of heat-related illnesses. In reality, heat sickness can be most dangerous to children. Heat stroke in children is deadly as the mortality rate is anywhere from seventeen to seventy percent. The factors to consider are the gravity of the illness and the youth’s age.
Youngsters suffer heat sickness when their bodies can not adapt to heat and correctly lower the body temperature. Youngsters are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses because they don’t adapt as fast or as well to heat changes as do adults and they also create additional warmth with activeness. Young people are more at risk to heat sickness since they do not adapt as fast or as efficiently to changes in heat like adults. They also produce additional heat when they are active. Young people also perspire at a greater body temperature than adults and do not perspire as much. For overweight children, who take medicine and have ongoing illnesses are more at risk in hot weather during workouts.
WARNINGS
Heat Cramps – sore, involuntary muscle contractions, usually in the gastrocnemius or hamstring muscles (the tissues at the back of the calves and thighs)
Dehydration – weariness, thirst, dizziness, less-frequent urination, confusedness, heightened heart rate and breathing, dried out skin, dry mouth and mucous membranes
Heat Exhaustion – clammy, pale skin, sweating, dry mouth, tiredness (fatigue), headache and or dizziness
Heat Stroke – loss of cognisance, confusion or hallucinations, headache, agitation, high body temperature, absence of perspiration, deep or shallow breathing, frail pulse rate, seizures
STEPS TO PREVENT
Be aware that temperatures over 80 degrees make conditions favorable to heat illness.. It is also important to know that high humidity lessens the body’s ability to get rid of extra heat through perspiring. Prevent heat illness by getting children used to the hot weather. Raise periods of intensity of workouts over the first two weeks and avoid hard work in the first week Have them work out in cooler parts of the day, as morning or early evening. Make sure young people rest often. Push fluids to children and teens prior to practice. Have plenty of fluids available during practice, preferably water. Minors need to drink fluids every 20 minutes while working out, whether thirsty or not. Liquids to avoid are caffeine and anything effervescent. Kids need to wear clothing that is light and well-ventilated.
Whether your kid or your squad is doing speed exercises as a coach or parent, you need to be cognizant of the criticalness of heat-related conditions. Respect the hot temperatures or there could be catastrophic consequences.
