Hot weather deaths and kids

The very hot weather we're having is a good time to remind everyone who deals with student athletes to be very careful to protect them. With practice for fall sports about 2 weeks away a report's out on deaths from heat stroke .. 5 student athletes died last year from a completely preventable cause of death. It's the largest number since 1972.
This is what happens in the heat: Physical activity raises players’ temperatures higher than normal. When body temperatures rise to 103 or 104, the brain’s hypothalamus loses its ability to regulate the heat. The heart beats faster to increase blood flow to the skin to aid in evaporation, leaving less blood in the heart and other muscles. Brain death begins around 106 degrees, but death from heat stroke can be gradual, taking three or four days while organs begin to fail.
Not pretty .. and again . preventable. Never ignore a kids complaint that they're too hot or too parched . .give them water and a break .. and let me steal from another report more reminders:
Require each athlete to have a physical and know if an athlete has a history of heat-related illness; these kids are more susceptible to heat stroke. Overweight players are also at higher risk.
· Acclimatize players to the heat slowly; North Carolina mandates that the first three days of practice be done without uniforms.
· Alter practice schedules to avoid long workouts in high-humidity.
· Provide cold water before, during and after practice in unlimited quantities.
· Provide shaded rest areas with circulating air; remove helmets and loosen or remove jerseys; some schools have plastic outdoor pools filled with ice for cool-downs after practice.
· Know the symptoms of heat illness: nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, muscle cramps, weak rapid pulse, visual disturbance. Contrary to popular belief, heat stroke victims may sweat profusely.
· Have an emergency plan in place; parents should inquire about emergency plans for their kids’ teams.

this comes from Fred Mueller, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - he compiles the death list every year ..a little common sense and attention will keep your loved one OFF his list ..