How To: Know the Signs of Heat Illness

With many local schools currently holding outdoor football practice, it's important to stay on the lookout for heat illnesses. Dr. Kip Frizzell, a pediatrician and Le Bonheur's director of Coordination of Care, advises parents have their children drink fluids continuously throughout the day.

"These shouldn't include juices, soft drinks or sports drinks - water is best. This is a very important rule to follow as the dangerous heat continues," said Frizzell.

Frizzell also suggests parents and sports coaches know the symptoms of heat illness.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the most common types of heat injury are:

• Heat Cramps - These are painful contractions of the muscles (most commonly leg muscles). Treatment is to stop exercise, gently message the involved muscle, and drink lots of extra fluids.

• Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms include high temperature (up to 104?F), weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and fainting. Treatment is to stop exercise, either sit or lie down, and cool down (fanning, cool towels, ice bags, move to shaded or air-conditioned area). Also, giving lots of fluids is essential. If symptoms do not stop quickly, the athlete should be taken to an emergency room right away.

• Heat Stroke - This is a life-threatening emergency caused by extremely high temperatures (often higher than 107?F). Athletes can have seizures or go into shock or coma. They should be taken to an emergency room immediately.

If you see a child exhibiting any of these symptoms, he or she needs attention immediately.

When a player feels confused, dizzy, nauseated, sleepy, or otherwise seems ill during exercise in hot, humid weather, have the child cool down and start drinking right away, says the AAP. If you do not see quick recovery, take the child to an emergency room.