FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 7, 2007

Health Department issues heat warning for athletes

Coaches, players and parents should be aware of safeguards

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department issued a warning today to athletes, parents and coaches about participating in sports during hot weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, athletes who participate in vigorous workouts, especially when the heat index is in the 90s and above, are at high risk for developing heat-related illnesses.

While the elderly, young children and people with mental illnesses or chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat-related illnesses, young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities in hot weather.

The Health Department encourages athletes to drink lots of water and to stay hydrated by not waiting until they feel thirsty to begin drinking. 

“A good rule of thumb during hot weather is, if you are thirsty, you are already beginning to dehydrate,” said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the Health Department. 

If you are taking water pills or are on a fluid-restricted diet, check with your doctor to see how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because both serve as diuretics and make the body dehydrate faster. Athletes should also avoid any performance-enhancing product that increases metabolism, because those also increase body temperature.

The Health Department also encourages athletes to work out early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Health Department Web site, www.kcmo.org/health.

Media inquiries about this issue should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).