Heat tips for coaches, athletes & parents

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With the summer sun burning bright and temperatures in the triple digits, the very young and elderly aren’t the only ones susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Extreme temperatures have prompted the Kansas City Health Department to reach out to athletes, coaches and parents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, participating in vigorous workouts when the heat index is in the 90s and above puts athletes at high risk for developing heat-related illnesses.

There have been seven suspected cases of heat-related deaths and one confirmed case in the metro area this summer. 

To prevent heat-related illnesses, officials urge athletes to take precautions against the heat. The Health Department encourages athletes to drink lots of water, avoid performance enhancing products which increase body temperature and to avoid caffeine and alcohol which cause the body to dehydrate faster.

People on water pills or fluid-restricted diets should check with their doctor to determine what additional water is safe to consume when the weather is hot. Officials say thirst is a sign that the body is already beginning to dehydrate.

For the safest way to work up a sweat without sweating in the sun, the Health Department suggests working out early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler.