1. Hypothermia
Bell ringer:
What’s the best way to prevent hypothermia?

2. Hypothermia
Temperature in conjunction with wind chill and dampness or wetness can increase chances of hypothermia
Most activity allows for adequate heat production (increased metabolism) and dissipation, allowing for sufficient functioning
Cold weather vs. nature of particular sport Impact on warm-up and “down time”

3. 65% of body heat is lost through radiation (head and neck 50%)
20% through evaporation
2/3 through skin and 1/3 through respiration
Drop in core stimulates shivering but stops after temp. drops below 85-90oF
Problems arise when heat lost exceeds heat production via metabolism
Results in impairment of neuromuscular function
Death is imminent when temp falls below 77-85oF.

4. Prevention
Waterproof and windproof fabrics that allow passage of heat and sweat and allow movement
Apparel geared for weather to provide semitropical microclimate for body and prevent chilling
Layers and adjusting them are key to maintaining body temperature (during period of (in)activity)
Inadequate clothing, improper warm-up and chill factor can lead to injury, frostbite, chilblains, and/or minor respiratory problems
Be aware of hydration levels as well to enhance blood volume and heat maintenance

5. Types of Frostbite Common Cold Injuries
Localized cooling can result in tissue damage
Formation of ice crystals between cells, destroys cells, disrupts blood flow, clotting may occur
Types of Frostbite
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)
result from prolonged exposure causing redness and swelling, tingling pain in toes and fingers
Appears pale, hard, cold and waxy
Due to poor peripheral circulation

6. Superficial Frostbite involves only skin and subcutaneous tissue
When re-warming the area will feel numb, then sting and burn
It may blister and be painful for several weeks
Deep Frostbite indicates frozen skin requiring hospitalization
Rapid re-warming is necessary ( oF)
Tissue will become blotchy red, swollen, painful and may become gangrenous

7. Altitude Most events do not occur at extreme heights
As height increases, maximum oxygen uptake decreases resulting in a decrease in performance
Body compensates through tachycardia and hyperventilation
Responses are a result of having fewer red blood cells than necessary to adequately capture available oxygen

8. Altitude Illnesses
Acute Mountain Sickness
1 out of 3 will experience when making the jump feet.
Experience headache, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbance, and dyspnea
Caused by brain disruption associated with sodium potassium imbalance resulting in fluid retention and cellular pressure changes

9. Pulmonary Edema
Occurs at ,000 feet.
Lungs accumulate fluid in alveolar walls forming pulmonary edema
S&S (signs and symptoms): dypsnea, cough, HA, weakness and occasionally LOC.
TX: move athlete to lower altitude and providing O2

10. Sickle Cell Trait
8-10% of African Americans have sickle cell trait
Abnormality in red blood cell hemoglobin structure
In most the trait is benign
When hemoglobin is deoxygenated, cells clump together causing blood cell to develop sickle shape making it easy to destroy
Causes enlarged spleen and could rupture at high altitudes

11. Overexposure to Sun
Precautions must be taken to protect athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and support staff (everyone!)

12. Long Term Effects on Skin
Premature aging and skin cancer due to ultraviolet exposure
Premature aging is characterized by dryness, cracking and inelasticity of the skin
Skin cancer is the most common malignant tumor found in humans
Major types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma
Rate of cure is 95% with early detection
Fair skinned individuals are more susceptible to these maladies

13. Using Sunscreen
Can help prevent damaging effects of UV radiation
Sunscreen effectiveness is expressed as SPF (sun protection factor)
Indicates how many times longer an individual can be exposed to the sun with vs. without sunscreen before skin turns red.
Greater the susceptibility the higher the SPF should be used
Individuals with dark complexion should also apply
60-80% of sun exposure occurs before the age of 20

14. Should be worn by athletes, coaches and athletic trainers who are outside a considerable amount, and/or have fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes or skin that burns easily
Sunscreen use is at its highest March - November but should be used year round (particularly between the hours of 10am-4pm)
It should be applied minutes before exposure and re-applied after exposure to water, excess sweating, rubbing skin with clothing or a towel

15. Lightening Safety #2 cause of death by weather phenomena
NATA has established position statement due to number of athletes and coaches potentially exposed to lightening scenarios
Emergency action plans must be set for this type of event
Involving chain of command, monitoring of weather service, decision making regarding removal and return to field

16. In the event of a storm, shelter indoors should be obtained
Other guidelines
Avoid large trees, flag/light poles, standing water, telephones, pools, showers, and metal objects (bleachers, equipment,umbrellas)
Last resorts find car, ravine, ditch or valley for safety
If hair stands up on hand you are in imminent danger and should get down on the ground but not flat as that increases surface area

17. Additional Guidelines
Lightening is generally accompanied by thunder (except 20-40% of the time due to atmospheric disturbances)
Flash-to-bang methods estimates distance away for the storm
From time lightening is sighted to the clap of thunder count, divide by 5 to calculate the number of mile away
Count of 40 indicates inherent danger
Most high schools follow the 8 mile rule

18. NATA and National Weather Service recommend returning to the field 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightening strike
Major misconception is that lightening that is seen striking is coming down
In actuality it is the return strike of the lightening going back up after it has already hit the ground

19. Lightening detector
Hand-held instrument
Able to detect storm occurring within 40 miles
Allows you to know level of activity and direction
When it detects a lightening strike it emits an audible warning tone
Inexpensive alternative to setting up contract with weather service

20. Playing Surfaces Natural grass Synthetic turf Concrete Snow
Factors to consider:
Injury rate, severity
Aesthetics (look and beauty)
Durability and maintenance costs
Shoe greatly effects traction and potential injury rate
Wood Asphault
Tile Ice
Clay Sand
Water Mud

21. Natural grass or artificial turf? Why?

22. Grass or Turf?
Studies conflict regarding injury rate – traction is biggest factor
Cost is similar
Infection rate and bacteria levels may be higher in synthetic turf.

23. Circadian Dysrhythmia
Sleep / wake cycle is interrupted
Aka “jet lag”
Can effect performance

24. Air pollution Some areas offer air quality (smog) reports and warnings
Avoid busy highways if possible