Heat Illness Prevention

Identify high risk patients
1. See Heat Illness Risk Factors
2. See Medications Predisposing to Heat Illness
Supervisors, coaches and trainers should be alert for Heat Illness symptoms and signs
Limit activity in very hot and humid environments
1. See Heat Index
2. Take frequent water breaks with scheduled rests
Wear light, loose fitting clothing
Hydration
1. Fluid type
  1. Water: moderate intensity Exercise for under 1 hour
  2. Electrolyte drink: Exercise for over 1 hour
2. Pre-Exercise: 12-20 ounces (15 min before Exercise)
3. During Exercise: 8 ounces fluid every 15 minutes
  1. Guidelines emphasize to drink to thirst to prevent over-hydration (Hyponatremia risk)
Heat acclimatization to exertion in a warm environment
1. Full heat acclimitization typically takes 2-3 weeks (up to 2-3 months in some patients)
2. Gradual exposure to hot environment after arrival
3. Outdoor Exercise
  1. Reduced Heat Illness risk: 90 minutes/session for 3 sessions per week
  2. Acclimitization 80%: Moderate Exercise 1-2 hours/day for 7 days
4. Pre-travel heat acclimitization
  1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. masks) while exercising
  2. Overdress in temperate climates while exercising
  3. Periodic heat exposure (e.g. exercising during hottest time of day in temperate climates)
Measure weight before and after sports practice
1. Define a weight at which participation disallowed
2. Define a goal weight to allow participation