If you're the parent of a student athlete, you probably worry about them playing in the heat. But new research should help ease your fears a bit.
Just in time for kids to start practice again soon, the nation's largest pediatricians group is out with new guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics says playing sports in hot, steamy weather is safe for healthy children and teen athletes, as long as they take precautions and the drive to win doesn't trump common sense.
The advice comes just a week after two high school football players in Georgia died following practices in 90-plus degree heat. Authorities are still looking into if the weather was to blame.
The guidelines replace a more restrictive policy based on old thinking that kids were more vulnerable to heat stress than adults. But experts say new research shows that's not true. With adequate training, water intake, time-outs and emergency treatment available on the sidelines, healthy young athletes can play even in high heat and humidity - within reason, the guidelines say.
"The more educated parents, athletes and staff are about risks associated with heat illness, the more likely they will think twice before allowing a competitive culture to overtake sound sensibilities," said Dr. Cynthia Devore, co-author of the policy and a physician for schools in the Rochester area.
According to the latest government data, from 2001 to 2009, more than 3,000 kids and teens were treated in the ER for heat illness from sports or exercise. A few young athletes die each year from heat-related illness. Over a 13 year period, 29 high school football players died from heat stroke, according to data from the American Football Coaches Association.
Football is of particular concern, because players often begin intense practice during the end of the summer when temperatures tend to soar. The players wear uniforms and padding that can make practicing in the heat stifling.
So how hot is too hot? The guidelines don't list temperature or humidity cutoffs, but say safety should be the top priority.
Here are some of the other new recommendations:
- Teams should have emergency plans with trained personnel and treatment available and policies for avoiding heat illness.
- Give kids about two weeks to adapt to preseason sessions, gradually increasing intensity and duration. Closely monitor more vulnerable kids, including those who are overweight or have diabetes.
- Make sure athletes are well-hydrated before practice or games. During activity, kids aged 9-12 should drink about half a cup to a cup of water every 20 minutes; for teens, 5 or 6 cups an hour. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and sodium should be offered during extra strenuous activity.
- Educate everyone about signs of heat stress, including dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea. Kids with symptoms should be sidelined and treated immediately; athletes should be encouraged to report if teammates seem to be struggling.
Do you agree with the new guidelines? Do you worry about your children practicing in the heat? Should schools adhere to specific regulations to keep kids safe? What role should parents play in keeping their kids safe? Leave your thoughts below.
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Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.
