1. Environmental Concerns in Sport

2. Hyperthermia Heat StressHeat Stress –Heat Rash –Heat Cramps –Heat Syncope Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion Heat StrokeHeat Stroke

3. Heat Stress Heat RashHeat Rash –Symptoms Red, raised rashRed, raised rash Sensations of prickling and tingling w/ sweatingSensations of prickling and tingling w/ sweating –Treatment Continually toweling the bodyContinually toweling the body

4. Heat Stress Heat CrampsHeat Cramps –Symptoms Painful muscle spasms usually in the calf or abdomenPainful muscle spasms usually in the calf or abdomen Due to excessive electrolyte and water lossDue to excessive electrolyte and water loss –Treatment Adding small amounts of salt to foodsAdding small amounts of salt to foods Replacing electrolytes and fluidsReplacing electrolytes and fluids Stretching the cramped muscle.Stretching the cramped muscle.

5. Heat Stress Heat SyncopeHeat Syncope –Causes Rapid fatigue during exercise in heatRapid fatigue during exercise in heat Standing for long periods of time in heat w/o acclimatizationStanding for long periods of time in heat w/o acclimatization –Treatment Remove from heatRemove from heat Sit/Lie the athlete downSit/Lie the athlete down Give fluidsGive fluids

6. Heat Exhaustion CausesCauses –Heat stress with physical exercise –Dehydration SymptomsSymptoms –Excessive thirst –Dry mouth and tongue –Fatigue –Muscle weakness –Mental dullness –Low urine volume –Slightly high body temp Treatment –Remove from heat –Sponge w/ cool water –Give fluids if able to handle them –Increase fluids for next 2-3 days

7. Heat Stroke CausesCauses –Thermoregulatory Failure SymptomsSymptoms –Abrupt onset –Headache –Dizziness –Fatigue –Flushed skin –Decr. Sweating –Rapid pulse rate (140-180) –High body temperature –Vomiting –Diarrhea Treatment –EMERGENCY Immersion in cool bath Sponge cool water on body Massage limbs –Call 9-1-1 May result in Cardiac failure and thus Brain Damage

8. Preventing Heat Illness Common sense and precautionCommon sense and precaution –Consume fluids and stay cool –Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement Body requires 2.5L of water daily when engaged in minimal activityBody requires 2.5L of water daily when engaged in minimal activity 1-2% drop in body weight (due to dehydration)1-2% drop in body weight (due to dehydration) results in thirstresults in thirst –If thirst is ignored, dehydration results in: nausea, vomiting, fainting and increased risk for heat illness

9. Sports Drinks –More effective than just replacing fluids with water –Flavoring results in increased desire to consume –Replaces fluids and electrolytes –Water alone can prematurely stop thirst response and initiate fluid removal by kidneys –Small amounts of sodium help in retention of water –Different drinks have different nutrient levels –Optimal CHO level is 14g per 8 ounces of water –More CHO results in slower absorption –Effective for both short term and endurance activities

10. Gradual Acclimatization Most effective method of avoiding heat stressMost effective method of avoiding heat stress Involves becoming accustomed to heat and exercising in heatInvolves becoming accustomed to heat and exercising in heat Early pre-season training and graded intensity changes are recommended with progressive exposure over 7-10 day periodEarly pre-season training and graded intensity changes are recommended with progressive exposure over 7-10 day period 80% of acclimatization can be achieved during first 5-6 days with 2 hour morning and afternoon practice sessions80% of acclimatization can be achieved during first 5-6 days with 2 hour morning and afternoon practice sessions

11. Identifying Susceptible Individuals –Athletes with large muscle mass –Overweight athletes (due to increased metabolic rate) –Death from heat stroke increase 4:1 as body weight increases –Women are physiologically more efficient with regard body temp. regulation –Others that are susceptible include, those with poor fitness, history of heat illness, or febrile condition

12. More Prevention Tips Uniform SelectionUniform Selection –Base on temperature and humidity –Dress for the weather and temperature –Avoid rubberized suits Weight RecordsWeight Records –Keep track of before and after measures for first two weeks –If increase in temperature and humidity occurs during the season, weights should again be recorded –A 3-5% loss of BW will reduce blood volume and could be a health threat

13. Cold Injuries Most activity allows for adequate heat production (increased metabolism) and dissipation, allowing for sufficient functioningMost activity allows for adequate heat production (increased metabolism) and dissipation, allowing for sufficient functioning Impact on warm-up and “down time”Impact on warm-up and “down time” Temperature in conjunction with wind chill and dampness or wetness can increase chances of hypothermiaTemperature in conjunction with wind chill and dampness or wetness can increase chances of hypothermia

14. Heat Loss 65% of body heat is lost through radiation (head and neck 50%)65% of body heat is lost through radiation (head and neck 50%) 20% through evaporation20% through evaporation 2/3 through skin and2/3 through skin and 1/3 through respiration1/3 through respiration

15. Body Temperature Problems arise when heat lost exceeds heat production via metabolismProblems arise when heat lost exceeds heat production via metabolism –Results in impairment of neuromuscular function Drop in core stimulates shivering but stops after temp. drops below 85-90 o FDrop in core stimulates shivering but stops after temp. drops below 85-90 o F Death is imminent when temp falls below 77-85 o F.Death is imminent when temp falls below 77-85 o F.

16. Prevention –Apparel geared for weather to provide microclimate for body and prevent chilling –Waterproof and windproof fabrics that allow passage of heat and sweat and allow movement –Layers and adjusting them are key to maintaining body temperature (during period of inactivity and activity) –Be aware of hydration levels as well to enhance blood volume and heat maintenance

17. Frost nip –Involves, ears, nose, chin, fingers, and toes –Occurs with high wind and/or severe cold –Skin appears firm with cold painless areas that may peel and blister (24-72 hours) –Treat with firm pressure, blowing warm air or hands in armpits (if fingers involved) –Do not rub

18. Frostbite –Chilblains - result from prolonged exposure causing redness and swelling, tingling pain in toes and fingers Due to poor peripheral circulationDue to poor peripheral circulation –Superficial Frostbite involves only skin and subcutaneous tissue Appears pale, hard, cold and waxyAppears pale, hard, cold and waxy When re-warming the area will feel numb, then sting and burnWhen re-warming the area will feel numb, then sting and burn It may blister and be painful for several weeksIt may blister and be painful for several weeks

19. Frostbite –Deep Frostbite Rapid re-warming is necessary (100-110 o F)Rapid re-warming is necessary (100-110 o F) Tissue will become blotchy red, swollen, painful and may become gangrenousTissue will become blotchy red, swollen, painful and may become gangrenous indicates frozen skin requiring hospitalizationindicates frozen skin requiring hospitalization

21. Lightning Stay away from metal or tall objectsStay away from metal or tall objects –Aka… don’t hide under a tree…. Get low/smallGet low/small –Crouch down with only toes on the ground –Find a ditch or a low lying area If you are in a car try not to touch the outer metal frameIf you are in a car try not to touch the outer metal frame

22. Lightning Flash to Bang – seconds / 6 = 1mileFlash to Bang – seconds / 6 = 1mile If less than 30 seconds stop all activity and move inside.If less than 30 seconds stop all activity and move inside.