Children and adolescents are at increased risk of dehydration (not enough water in the body) and because of heat illness. Fortunately, heat injuries, which are diseases resulting from excessive exercise in conditions of high temperature and humidity are almost always sports injuries can be prevented if adequate attention is paid to safety and common sense, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (American Academy of Pediatrics), which provides the following information in its publication “Sports Shorts”.

The three most common types of heat injuries include:
Heat cramps: painful muscle contractions, usually in the legs. It is necessary to interrupt the exercise, give a gentle massage to the affected muscle and drink plenty of fluids.
Heat exhaustion: high body temperature (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion and fainting. It is necessary to interrupt the exercise, either sit or lie down and cool (ventilation, cold towels, ice bags, move to an area in the shade or air conditioning) and drink fluids. If symptoms are not relieved quickly, immediately take the athlete to an emergency room.
Heat stroke (sunstroke): an emergency that threatens life and is caused by extremely high body temperatures (often over 107 degrees Fahrenheit). Athletes can suffer seizures or go into shock or coma. Seek immediate emergency room. Some common sense rules:

Liquids: Drink fluids before and during exercise is an important way to prevent heat injuries. Athletes need to drink four to eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during the activity, an athlete can become dehydrated before feeling thirsty. Plain water is the best drink for most athletes. It can encourage young athletes to drink more fluids offering flavored water or a sports drink properly. Soft drinks, fruit juices and sodas are not good choices.


Environment: When the temperature is above 80 degrees, especially when humidity is over 70 percent, is more difficult to control body heat. Direct sunlight and hot, humid winds may also increase this risk. During periods of excessive heat yhumedad, parents and coaches should stop practices or competitions. If you do the practices within or in a shady area can help prevent heat injuries.
Clothing: Clothing should be light and expose as much skin as possible to allow for evaporation of sweat. It may also be helpful to wear a hat. Always use sunscreen.
Acclimatization: The first or the first two weeks of practice in a warm, humid weather should consist of light exercise and gradually increase your intensity.
Medical conditions: All sick children should avoid exercising in hot and humid conditions, and again when the disease disappears completely. Children with chronic illnesses (diabetes, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease) should talk to your doctor about how to preserve hydrated. Certain medications (such as cold medicines) interfere with body thermoregulation.
Be alert: When a player is confused, dizzy, nauseated, sleepy or sick while exercising in a hot and humid climate, you should think of the diseases caused by heat. Ask your child to cool down and immediately start drinking fluids. If you do not see a quick recovery, take your child to the emergency room. When you do it is saving the lives of children.

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