INTEGRIS Health CoolZone offers Tips on How Athletes Can Beat Heat

August 1, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY – July and Augusts’ high temperatures and humidity tell us another high school football season is on the horizon, and INTEGRIS Health is gearing up for the second year of its CoolZone program. CoolZone makes visits to Oklahoma high schools to assist them in minimizing the possibility of heat-related injuries to student-athletes.

“This year is especially challenging because we haven’t had triple digit temperatures,” says Karen Massey, registered dietitian at INTEGRIS Health. With all the rain and moderate temperatures, coaches and students have not had to think of the dangers of “high risk” temperatures of more than 82 degrees.

During the CoolZone two-day visit players are weighed before and after each practice, monitored for sweat rates and asked questions that estimate individual risk of dehydration. After the first day, students are given an individual game plan that outlines weights, sweat rates, fluid intake and fluid need.

Students’ weight should be about the same at the beginning and end of practice if they’re drinking enough fluids to replenish what they’ve lost. Dehydration of just one to two percent of body weight (only 1.5-3 lb. for a 150-pound athlete) can negatively influence performance, while dehydration of greater than three percent of body weight increases an athlete’s risk of heat illness (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke).

“The biggest key of prevention is to be well-hydrated before you ever go to practice,” says Massey. “Once you’re thirsty, you’re behind. Students should drink 17-20 ounces of water two to three hours before practice then another 7-10 ounces of water 10 to 20 minutes before practice.”

INTEGRIS Health will visit two schools in the Oklahoma City Public School System, as well as four other high schools in rural locations.

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