Even though it’s getting close to the end of the summer it still tends to be pretty warm when school starts up and it’s important to make sure that teens who are involved in sports stay hydrated and cool during practices and games.

Some things that can help keep teens safe while out for sports include:

• Drinking Fluids – Teens don’t always take notice of the way their bodies feel or they may misunderstand the signals their body is giving them.  It’s a good idea to make sure that they always have access to water during practice and sporting events to keep from getting dehydrated.
• Drinking the Correct Fluids – Many teens enjoy soda or energy drinks but these types of fluids will not help them when they are physically active and some energy drinks can be dangerous in certain circumstances.  Teens should be encouraged to drink water or fluids that have added nutrients like Gatorade during physical activity.
• Eating Correctly – It’s also important to make sure that teen athletes are eating the right foods and the right amounts.  Physically active teens should not typically be eating a reduced calorie diet, unless prescribed by their doctor, because they may not be getting enough energy from their food to sustain their physical activity.  It’s also a good idea for teens to stay away from foods high in sodium as these foods can deplete the body of fluids.
• Keeping Cool – Not only can teen athletes keep cool by drinking fluids they can also keep cool by wearing clothes that pull sweat away from their bodies, like Under Armor, and also staying out of the heat and sun as much as possible.  Once the school sports season starts practices and games will typically take place after the hottest part of the day but until then it’s a good idea to have teens wear hats and cooler clothing while practicing or playing sports.
• Knowing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion – Parents and school personnel need to take the time to teach teens about the different sign and symptoms of heat exhaustion so as to limit the chances of injury.  The most common signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale skin, being overly tired, headache and/or dizziness, muscle cramping, weakness, vomiting, and fainting.  If a teen experiences any of these signs or symptoms they should see a doctor immediately to determine if they are suffering from heat exhaustion.

Sports are an important part of many teen’s school year and as long as the teens, their parents, and the school administration work together to keep things safe there should be no issues with teens taking part in these activities.  If there is ever any question as to whether or not a teen can handle a school sport or is suffering from heat exhaustion it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

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