Agility training in the summertime means teams working out and practicing in the heat. Consequently, children do not adapt to the heat as well as adults. It is also important to be familiar with prevention and aware of warning signs for heat illnesses. Heat stroke, heat exhaustian and heat cramps are the kinds of heat ailments. If your team is doing strength training workouts, as an adult, you need to keep in mind how dangerous heat illness can be to your charges. In reality, heat sickness can be most dangerous to children. Heat stroke has an incredibly high death rate for children, 17-70%. The seriousness of the ailments and the child’s age are important factors to consider.
Youngsters suffer heat sickness when their bodies can not adapt to heat and correctly lower the body temperature. Youngsters are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses because they don’t adapt as fast or as well to heat changes as do adults and they also create additional warmth with activeness. Young people are more at risk to heat sickness since they do not adapt as fast or as efficiently to changes in heat like adults. They also produce additional heat when they are active. Young athletes perspire less than adults and they do so at a higher body temperature.. For kids with ongoing ailments and take regular medications, practicing in hot weather puts them at risk.
NOTE
Heat Cramps – painful, involuntary muscle spasms, usually in the gastrocnemius or hamstring muscles (the muscles at the back of the calves and thighs)
Dehydration – tiredness, thirstiness, wooziness, less-recurrent urination, confusion, intensified heart rate and respiration, desiccated skin, dry mouth and mucous membranes
Heat Exhaustion – clammy, dull skin, perspiring, weariness (fatigue), throbbing head and or giddiness
Heat Stroke – loss of knowingness, muddiness or hallucinations, headache, agitation, high body temperature, absence of sweating, deep or shallow breathing, faint pulse rate, seizures
STEPS TO PREVENT
Be cognizant that temperatures over 80 degrees create conditions favorable to heat illness. Know that high humidity lessens a body’s capacity to release excess heat through perspiration. In order to prevent illness, get child used to the heat, raise intensity over the next 2 weeks, avoid strenuous work for the first week Have them work out in cooler parts of the day, as morning or early evening. Ensure young people rest often. Have young people drink water prior to practice to ensure they are hydrated before workouts. During practice it is imperative that H2O is readily available. Although they might not be thirsty, youngsters should drink fluids every 20 minutes when exercising. Fluids to keep away from are caffeine and anything carbonated. Kids need to wear clothing that is light and well-ventilated.
In case your youngster or your squad is doing agility training as a trainer or parent, you need to be mindful of the danger of heat-related conditions. Respect the high temperatures or there could be serious physical consequences.
