Speed and agility training in the summertime means hiking temperatures and young people practicing athletics in the heat. Thus, it is important that you know that youngsters do not adapt to high temperatures like 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 actuality, youngsters are the most vulnerable to heat illness. Heat stroke has an incredibly high death rate for children, 17-70%. The factors to consider are the youth’s age and the gravity of the illness.
Children suffer heat-related illnesses when their bodies can not compensate for the heat and cool itself. Young people are more susceptible to heat illness because they can’t adjust as quickly or as well to changes in temperatures as do adults. Children are more at risk to heat illness since they can’t adapt as quickly or as well to changes in temperatures. In addition, they produce extra heat with activity. Young people also perspire at a greater body temperature than adults and do not perspire as much. Those kids, whom are heavy, have continuing illnesses and take a number of medications are even more susceptible to high heat conditions during practice.
NOTE
Heat Cramps – sore, involuntary muscle contractions, frequently in the gastrocnemius or hamstring muscles (the muscles at the rearward of the calf muscles and thighs)
Dehydration – fatigue, thirst, lightheadedness, less-frequent urination, muddiness, escalated heart rate and respiration, desiccated skin, dry mouth and mucous membranes
Heat Exhaustion – dank, pallid skin, sweaty, lethargy (fatigue), throbbing head and or giddiness
Heat Stroke – loss of cognisance, confusion or hallucinations, headache, agitation, high body temperature, absence of sweating, deep or shallow breathing, feeble pulse rate, seizures
PREVENTION
Be aware that temperatures over 80 degrees make conditions favorable to heat illness.. It also important to know that excessive humidity reduces your body’s ability to release excess heat by perspiring. In order to prevent this illness acclimate the child to the heat, increase intensity over 10-14 days, no heavy work for the first week Morning or early evening are the cooler parts of the day and optimal for practices. Ensure children often take rests. Hydrate kids before working out and at practice have enough fluids on hand for hydrating – preferably H2O. Even if they aren’t thirsty, young athletes need to drink fluids every 20 minutes when practicing. Fluids to avoid are caffeine and anything carbonated. As far as clothing is concerned, children should wear lightweight and ventilated clothing.
In case your minor or your team is doing speed and agility training as a coach or parent, you require to be alert of the seriousness of heat-related ailments. Respect the hot temperatures or there could be fatal consequences.
