News

Rising temperatures and increased athletic activity place student athletes at greater risk for dehydration, heat-related illness and preventable sports injuries. Primary care physicians and sports medicine specialists are encouraging families, coaches and school athletic programs to make hydration and heat safety a priority throughout the summer conditioning, preseason training and fall athletic season.

Dehydration can develop quickly during practices, games, conditioning sessions and outdoor training. Even mild fluid loss may reduce endurance, impair concentration, slow reaction time and increase the likelihood of injury. More serious conditions, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can become medical emergencies if warning signs are overlooked.

"Proper hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect young athletes," said Andrew Young, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician with fellowship training in sports medicine with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Edmond East. "Prevention begins long before a player steps onto the field. Athletes should arrive well hydrated, recognize early symptoms of heat illness and understand when to seek medical attention."

Common signs of dehydration and heat-related illness include:

• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Decreased athletic performance
• Dark-colored urine

Symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting or collapse require immediate medical evaluation.

Healthcare professionals recommend several measures to reduce the risk of dehydration and heat-related injuries:

• Drink water before, during and after physical activity rather than waiting until thirst develops.
• Schedule practices and workouts during cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible.
• Allow frequent hydration breaks during practices and competitions.
• Gradually increase activity levels to help athletes acclimate to hot weather conditions.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing when appropriate.
• Monitor teammates for signs of heat-related illness and encourage athletes to report symptoms immediately.
• Ensure adequate rest, nutrition and recovery between training sessions.

"Young athletes often focus on competition and performance while overlooking the importance of proper hydration," said Young. "By the time an athlete feels thirsty, dehydration may already be affecting performance and increasing the risk of heat-related illness."

Parents are encouraged to send athletes to practices and games with a filled water bottle and to reinforce the importance of consistent hydration throughout the day. Coaches and athletic staff should ensure access to water, shade, cooling areas, have emergency action plans in place and be trained to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.

A strong commitment to prevention helps reduce injuries and supports the long-term health and well-being of student athletes.

For more information on keeping your student athletes healthy as they prepare for the upcoming athletic season or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Young, please call 405-657-3950.