interscholastic athletics

Interscholastic Athletics

Heat Acclimatization

Concussion Awareness


A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and

Heat Illness Prevention.

After completing this course, you should know:

• The definition of EHS.• Recognize that Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) is

the leading preventable cause of death among athletes.

• Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan

• Know the importance of hydrating regularly.

After completing this course, you should know:

• Know the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of developing heat illness. This is important for your safety the safety of your team teammates.

• The definition of a concussion• Know the signs and symptoms of a concussion• How to help my athlete prevent a concussion• What to do if I think my athlete has a

concussion

What is EHS?

• Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) is a severe condition characterized by an extremely high core body temperature of above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, and multiple organ failure brought on by strenuous exercise, often occurring in the hot environments.

What is EHS?

• EHS is a medical emergency and can be a fatal condition if the individual’s body temperature remains above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time without the proper treatment.

• Each year, exertional heat stroke results in:

Thousands of emergency room visits

Hospitalizations

Lost time from practices and play

• Heat Stoke Fatalities, 1975-2009 YEARS TOTAL

1975 - 1979 8

1980 - 1984 9

1985 - 1989 5

1990 - 1994 2

1995 - 1999 13

2000 - 2004 11

2005 - 2009 18

Signs and Symptoms of EHS• Core body temperature above 104 degrees F

• Increased heart rate

• Loss of balance / muscle function / dizziness

• Inability to walk / Collapse

• Sweating

Signs and Symptoms

• Altered metal status / confusion / disorientation / irritability

• Vomiting

• Seizures

• Headache

Factors!• Vigorous activity in hot-humid environment

• Lack of time to adapt to heat (acclimatization)

• Poor physical fitness

• Dehydration

• Lack of sleep

Factors!

• Fever or illness

• Warrior mentality

• High pressure to perform

• Heavy equipment / uniform

Factor!• Sickle Cell Trait

Impacts an estimated 8 to 10 percent of the U.S. black population

The risks to black athletes are heightened during common preseason performance tests such as mile runs or repetitive sprints, Heat, dehydration and high altitude can exacerbate the risks.

Prevention!

• Heat acclimatization defined: Acclimatization is the body’s

adaptation to a new environment, specifically warm, hot or humid.

*Make sure you take time to adapt to the heat, don’t push yourself too quickly.

Prevention• Know the difference between being tired and EHS

symptoms.

• Don’t try to “push through” or “tough it out” when you’re not feeling well, even if others are pressuring you (including yourself).

• Encourage teammates to sit out if you notice them starting to show signs of EHS.

• Let your coach know if you or another player start feeling any symptoms.

Prevention!

• Get plenty of sleep the night before practice

• Drink plenty of water (hydrate several days before practice and games)

• Don’t practice if you’re sick

• Make sure you have fluids at practice everyday

Prevention!

• Check to make sure you’re well hydrated by looking at the color of your urine, it should be the color of lemonade, NOT the color of apple juice.

Return to Play• Returning to play after EHS will be determined

by a physician.

• You must bring in a doctor’s note allowing a return to play.

• You will start with a gradual return to activity.

Concussion AwarenessA concussion is a brain injury that:• Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head

or body.• Can change the way your brain normally

works.• Can occur during practices or games in any

sport.• Can happen even if you haven’t been knocked

out.• Can be serious even if you’ve just been

“dinged” or “had your bell rung.”

Concussion AwarenessWhat are the symptoms of a concussion?• Headache or “pressure” in head• Nausea or vomiting• Balance problems or dizziness• Double or blurry vision• Bothered by light or noise• Feeling Sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy• Difficulty paying attention• Memory problems• Confusion

Concussion AwarenessWhat should I do if I think I have a concussion?• Tell your coaches and your parents. • Never ignore a bump or blow to the head even if you feel fine. Also, tell your coach right

away if you think you have a concussion or if one of your teammates might have a concussion.

• Get a medical check-up.• A doctor or other health care professional can tell if you have a concussion and when it is OK

to return to play.

• Give yourself time to get better.• If you have a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is still healing, you

are much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for you to recover and may cause more damage to your brain. It is important to rest and not return to play until you get the OK from your health care professional that you are symptom-free.


How can I prevent a concussion?• Use the proper equipment, including personal

protective equipment. In order for equipment to protect you, it must be:

The right equipment for the game, position, or activity

Worn correctly and correct size and fitUsed every time you play or practice


• Follow your coaches’ rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

• Practice good sportsmanship at all times.


If you think you have a concussion :

Don’t hide it. Report it.

Take time to recover.

Concussion AwarenessSigns Observed by Parents/Guardians

• Appears dazed or stunned• Is confused about

assignment or position• Forgets an instruction• Is unsure of game, score or

opponent• Moves clumsily• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior or personality changes

• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Concussion AwarenessSymptoms Reported by Athlete

• Headache or “pressure” in head

• Nausea or vomiting• Balance problems• Double or blurry vision• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Concentration or memory problems

• Confusion• Just not “feeling right” or is

“feeling down”


• What should you do it you think your teen has a concussion?

1.Keep your teen out of play.2.Seek medical attention.3.Teach teen that it’s not smart to play with a

concession.4.Tell all of your teen’s coaches and the

student’s school nurse about ANY concussion.


• If you think your teen has a concussion:

Don’t assess it yourself.Take him/her out of play.

Seek the advice of a health care professional.

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