SUMMER TWO-A-DAYS are coming up quick and you have a lot that you need to get accomplished. But as you develop your attack plan for summer practices, take a moment to put safeguards into place for the potentially deadly heat of July and August.
According to a recent study done by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society, most heatstroke deaths have occurred on day 1 or 2 of two-a-days. The study showed that body temperatures of players tend to rise as a practice wears on, even in modest climates (especially while dressed in full football gear).
And it doesn’t have to be unbearably hot to be dangerous. On-the-field heatstroke deaths have occurred when temperatures have been 80 to 85 degrees and with relative humidity of less than 60 percent.
A lack of acclimation to the heat is the main reason that heat illness occurs. Getting used to the heat of summer practice takes time. Heat acclimation, much of which can be achieved in a week or two, leads to better drinking and the body holds onto water and salt, increasing blood volume so the heart pumps more blood to muscles at a lower heart rate. Heat-fit athletes also sweat sooner, heavier and over a wider body area, so they stay cooler.
Hydration is a key combatant to heat illness. Most players in two-a-days can easily sweat 1 to 2 quarts an hour and most players drink less than they sweat. The result is dehydration.
Physical fitness, especially aerobic fitness, is also a key component to battling heat risk. Players who come to camp aerobically fit are at less of a risk to heat stroke.
Other key risk factors for heat intolerance during summer practices include: the “warrior mentality” of practicing too hard in dangerous conditions, players being overweight to start camp and dehydrating supplements such as creatine and other unsafe energy drinks that contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants.
Common sense usually rules the day. As the saying goes, “The cooler, they stay — they better they play.”