It's HOT out side!  Here's some basic things you need to know for your children who participate in out door athletic events that are hot and muggy.  Sit down and go over these tips with your children no matter what their ages are!

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke
— Drink water before practice and during water breaks, even if you're not thirsty. Bring a water bottle.
— Check your urine. If it's dark, you're not getting enough water.
— Don't drink beverages with caffeine, including tea, coffee and soda.  These rob the body of water.
— If they experience dizziness, nausea, trouble concentrating, headache or heavy sweating, they may be suffering from heat exhaustion. Alert the coach or athletic trainer. Rest in an air-conditioned room, or if that's not possible, get in the shade immediately.
— Untreated heat exhaustion can develop into life-threatening heat stroke that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, frequent vomiting and shortness of breath and skin that feels hot but not sweaty.

Injury vs. Soreness

Soreness is normal when starting a new athletic season, new drill or new lifting routine. The aching, weakness and decreased motion you feel the next day or two results from challenging muscles.

Warming up and stretching can help. Continuing with the athletic program also can ease the discomfort.

Potential signs of injury include pain in a joint or muscle that follows a twist or hit and a sharp pain and/or swelling in a specific area. Tell the athletic trainer. If you try to handle it yourself, you could wind up losing more time.

And make sure your child’s equipment fits.  Equipment that is too big or too small is an injury waiting to happen.