INTEGRIS Health: Cool Zone

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INTEGRIS Health CoolZone offers Tips on How Athletes Can Beat Heat

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.

CoolZone

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.

CoolZone

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).

CoolZone

The biggest key of prevention is to be well-hydrated before you ever go to practice. 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.

CoolZone

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INTEGRIS Health
3300 N.W. Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

(405) 949-3011

HealthLine
(888) 951-2277