Agility training in the summer means climbing temperatures and working out and practicing in the heat. Therefore, it is important to know that children do not adjust to the heat 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 consist of any of the following, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps. 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. The mortality rate for children having heat stroke is 17 to 70%. The seriousness of the ailments and the child’s age are important factors to consider.
Young athletes get heat illness when their bodies are not able to properly cool. 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. 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 folks also sweat at a higher body temperature, and they perspire less than adults. For overweight children, who take medicine and have ongoing illnesses are more at risk in hot weather during workouts.
INDICATORS
Heat Cramps – agonizing, involuntary muscle twitches, commonly in the gastrocnemius or hamstring muscles (the tissues at the back of the calves and thighs)
Dehydration – tiredness, thirstiness, wooziness, less-frequent urination, disarray, heightened heart rate and breathing, parched skin, dry mouth and mucous membranes
Heat Exhaustion – clammy, pale skin, sweating, dry mouth, tiredness (fatigue), headache and or dizziness
Heat Stroke – Loss of consciousness, confusion or hallucinations, headache, agitation, high body temperature, absence of perspiration, deep or shallow breathing, weak pulse rate, seizures|
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Be aware that temperatures over 80 degrees make conditions favorable to heat illness.. Know that high humidity lessens a body’s capacity to release excess heat through perspiration. 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. Have young people drink water prior to practice to ensure they are hydrated before workouts. During practice it is imperative that H2O is readily available. Even if they aren’t thirsty, young athletes need to drink fluids every 20 minutes when practicing. Liquids to stay away from are caffeine and everything effervescent. With clothing, have kids wear well-ventilated, sweat-absorbent and light-weight.
If your minor or your team is doing speed exercises as a coach or parent, you need to be cognizant of the criticalness of heat-related illnesses. Respect the high temperatures or there could be serious physical consequences.