Keeler, Sharon

English

University of New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository
Media Relations Administrative Offices
8-6-2001
UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to
Avoid Heat Illness
Sharon Keeler
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.unh.edu/news
This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Administrative Offices at University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. It has
been accepted for inclusion in Media Relations by an authorized administrator of University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. For more
information, please contact nicole.hentz@unh.edu.
Recommended Citation
Keeler, Sharon, "UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness" (2001). UNH Today. 2556.
https://scholars.unh.edu/news/2556
11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness
Page 1 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.html
Department
of
Kinesiology
at UNH 
UNH Exercise Experts Offer
Advice on How to Avoid Heat
Illness
By Sharon Keeler 
UNH News Bureau 
603-862-1460
August 6, 2001
Editors/News Directors: 
With high school, college and youth athletic teams
beginning fall practice, the following story regarding
exercise and heat illness would be most timely.
Robert Kenefick, UNH assistant professor of
kinesiology, and Eric Swartz, UNH assistant
professor of athletic training, are available for
comment. You may reach Kenefick at 603-862-4859
or Swartz at 603-862-0018.
DURHAM, N.H. -- In light of the recent death of
Minnesota Vikings football player Korey Stringer,
coaches, athletic trainers, athletes and parents are being
counseled about the serious medical complications that
can result if they don't watch for signs of heat
exhaustion and heatstroke.
The National Weather Service warns that sunstroke or
heat exhaustion are likely when the heat index -- a
combination of temperature and humidity -- tops 105ºF.
Heatstroke is possible with either prolonged exposure
or physical activity, or both. It occurs when the body's
core temperature rises uncontrollably, usually above
106ºF.
"When temperatures rise, the body gains heat from the
environment, plus you're generating heat from
movement," says Robert Kenefick, University of New
Hampshire assistant professor of kinesiology and an
expert on environmental physiology. "The body
dissipates that heat through sweating and evaporation.
But evaporation is compromised by humidity, as well as
by clothing and heavy equipment."
11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness
Page 2 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.html
 
Without evaporation of sweat from the skin, the body's
core is not cooled and temperature will rise. What
results is increased sweating to cool the body. It is
common for an athlete to lose up to a quart of fluid per
hour while exercising in the heat, says Erik Swartz,
UNH assistant professor of athletic training.
If fluids are not replaced during activity, there will be
less fluid to sweat, and the body's temperature will rise
to dangerous levels.
Kenefick and Swartz say the first sign of heat stress is
thirst -- when you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.
Other signs include light-headedness, dizziness,
headache, "prickly heat" or heat rash, nausea, vomiting,
muscle cramping, profuse sweating, and rapid but weak
pulse.
"It is recommended that athletes drink 6 to 8 ounces of
water every 15 minutes, but this is hardly ever
followed," says Kenefick. "In our research we have
seen people lose 6 to 8 pounds in an hour -- all through
sweat. You have got to replenish that water."
Kenefick says athletic trainers and coaches can monitor
their players by measuring their body weight before and
after workouts. Their weight should be the same when
they return for practice the next session.
He also says it is important that people be well hydrated
before exercise. Water is the best source, though sports
drinks do encourage people to drink more. A good way
to monitor proper hydration is to examine urine output -
- the color should be nearly clear.
"It's interesting that humans don't naturally hydrate
themselves properly," Kenefick says. "If you hold back
water from animals, when they are allowed to drink,
they will drink back all the fluid they lost. Humans
won't, and that's why we need to pay attention."
Swartz agrees that unrestricted availability of water
during exercise is key, as well as educating the
coaching staffs and athletes on what symptoms to look
for.
Definitions of Heat Exhaustion/Heatstroke and
Treatment
11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness
Page 3 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.html
Heat exhaustion -- a condition of extreme fatigue after
prolonged exercise in the heat. A combination of
lethargy and nervousness as well as a decrease in the
ability to perform coordinated movements. They will
have a rapid and weak pulse, and will be sweating
profusely. May be treated by taking the athlete out of
competition, taking them out of the sun and into the
shade or indoors. Lie the athlete down, if possible,
suspend in the air, and place fans around the athlete to
circulate a cool air and increase heat dissipation from
body. Moderate fluid intake of cool water.
Heatstroke -- a sudden onset of acute increase in core
body temperature followed by the inability of the
hypothalamus to regulate body temperature. Sweating
ability may cease. Mental confusion, a decrease in the
level of consciousness or unconsciousness will arise,
and the skin will be hot and dry. Mortality rates of
individuals suffering from heatstroke are approximately
20 percent. Core body temperatures are at a dangerous
level; death occurs at temperatures more than 107ºF.
The athlete must be treated immediately to bring down
body temperature. Remove from the sun and heat. Place
ice bags over areas of increased blood flow such as the
armpits, groin, and neck. Emergency services should be
notified and transportation to the emergency room is
necessary. Fluids should be given intravenously and a
continual process of body cooling should be maintained
while monitoring core body temperature through rectal
thermometer. Ensure that a rebound hypothermia does
not occur.
Advice for Preventing Heat Illness
1. The first step in sport participation regarding heat
illnesses is to try and identify those athletes with a
history of heat illness. There is a tendency of those with
prior history of heat illness to be more susceptible to a
recurrence of heat illness.
2. Coaches should be made aware of the dangers
associated with athletic participation in the heat.
Coaches have the primary responsibility of the athletes'
safety, but it is the job of the athletic trainer to ensure
that threatening situations are avoided. Proper
education is the major component to prevention.
3. Coaches should be made aware that clothing plays a
11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness
Page 4 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.html
large role in the athlete's ability to dissipate heat. No
unnecessary clothing or equipment should be worn
which would increase the chances of elevating body
temperature. This is very important in sports such as
football and lacrosse, when padding and helmets are
worn. Helmets and padding act as insulation and
decrease the overall surface areas of the skin from
being exposed to the air for heat dissipation through
sweating.
4. Regular breaks during practices should be used to
allow the athletes a chance to keep the proper amount
of body fluids regulated. It is recommended that there
be a constant access to water for athletes without
restraint, and they should be taught to drink often
during a workout and to know the signs and symptoms
of heat illness so they can also monitor themselves.
Body weight measurements should be taken prior to
and after practices and events.
5. Acclimatization -- athletes need to be physiologically
adapted to participation in the heat through a gradual
increase in athletic intensities. It is common for athletes
to come into a pre-season unfit and unused to heavy
exertion in the heat. This is a progression which should
take at least 10-14 days, increasing intensity slowly.
6. Practice times should be scheduled as to avoid the
most threatening times of the day. Conditions and times
when the radiant heat is the most extreme, temperatures
are high, no wind, and the humidity is the highest need
to be considered.
7. Constantly monitor for signs of heat illness in all
athletes throughout practices and through the day.
Addressing heat stress before it progresses will prevent
severe life threatening situations.
Back to UNH News Bureau


UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness

UNH Scholars' Repository

University of New HampshireUniversity of New Hampshire Scholars' RepositoryMedia Relations Administrative Offices8-6-2001UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How toAvoid Heat IllnessSharon KeelerFollow this and additional works at: https://scholars.unh.edu/newsThis News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Administrative Offices at University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. It hasbeen accepted for inclusion in Media Relations by an authorized administrator of University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. For moreinformation, please contact nicole.hentz@unh.edu.Recommended CitationKeeler, Sharon, "UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness" (2001). UNH Today. 2556.https://scholars.unh.edu/news/255611/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat IllnessPage 1 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.htmlDepartmentofKinesiologyat UNH UNH Exercise Experts OfferAdvice on How to Avoid HeatIllnessBy Sharon Keeler UNH News Bureau 603-862-1460August 6, 2001Editors/News Directors: With high school, college and youth athletic teamsbeginning fall practice, the following story regardingexercise and heat illness would be most timely.Robert Kenefick, UNH assistant professor ofkinesiology, and Eric Swartz, UNH assistantprofessor of athletic training, are available forcomment. You may reach Kenefick at 603-862-4859or Swartz at 603-862-0018.DURHAM, N.H. -- In light of the recent death ofMinnesota Vikings football player Korey Stringer,coaches, athletic trainers, athletes and parents are beingcounseled about the serious medical complications thatcan result if they don't watch for signs of heatexhaustion and heatstroke.The National Weather Service warns that sunstroke orheat exhaustion are likely when the heat index -- acombination of temperature and humidity -- tops 105ºF.Heatstroke is possible with either prolonged exposureor physical activity, or both. It occurs when the body'score temperature rises uncontrollably, usually above106ºF."When temperatures rise, the body gains heat from theenvironment, plus you're generating heat frommovement," says Robert Kenefick, University of NewHampshire assistant professor of kinesiology and anexpert on environmental physiology. "The bodydissipates that heat through sweating and evaporation.But evaporation is compromised by humidity, as well asby clothing and heavy equipment."11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat IllnessPage 2 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.html Without evaporation of sweat from the skin, the body'score is not cooled and temperature will rise. Whatresults is increased sweating to cool the body. It iscommon for an athlete to lose up to a quart of fluid perhour while exercising in the heat, says Erik Swartz,UNH assistant professor of athletic training.If fluids are not replaced during activity, there will beless fluid to sweat, and the body's temperature will riseto dangerous levels.Kenefick and Swartz say the first sign of heat stress isthirst -- when you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.Other signs include light-headedness, dizziness,headache, "prickly heat" or heat rash, nausea, vomiting,muscle cramping, profuse sweating, and rapid but weakpulse."It is recommended that athletes drink 6 to 8 ounces ofwater every 15 minutes, but this is hardly everfollowed," says Kenefick. "In our research we haveseen people lose 6 to 8 pounds in an hour -- all throughsweat. You have got to replenish that water."Kenefick says athletic trainers and coaches can monitortheir players by measuring their body weight before andafter workouts. Their weight should be the same whenthey return for practice the next session.He also says it is important that people be well hydratedbefore exercise. Water is the best source, though sportsdrinks do encourage people to drink more. A good wayto monitor proper hydration is to examine urine output -- the color should be nearly clear."It's interesting that humans don't naturally hydratethemselves properly," Kenefick says. "If you hold backwater from animals, when they are allowed to drink,they will drink back all the fluid they lost. Humanswon't, and that's why we need to pay attention."Swartz agrees that unrestricted availability of waterduring exercise is key, as well as educating thecoaching staffs and athletes on what symptoms to lookfor.Definitions of Heat Exhaustion/Heatstroke andTreatment11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat IllnessPage 3 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.htmlHeat exhaustion -- a condition of extreme fatigue afterprolonged exercise in the heat. A combination oflethargy and nervousness as well as a decrease in theability to perform coordinated movements. They willhave a rapid and weak pulse, and will be sweatingprofusely. May be treated by taking the athlete out ofcompetition, taking them out of the sun and into theshade or indoors. Lie the athlete down, if possible,suspend in the air, and place fans around the athlete tocirculate a cool air and increase heat dissipation frombody. Moderate fluid intake of cool water.Heatstroke -- a sudden onset of acute increase in corebody temperature followed by the inability of thehypothalamus to regulate body temperature. Sweatingability may cease. Mental confusion, a decrease in thelevel of consciousness or unconsciousness will arise,and the skin will be hot and dry. Mortality rates ofindividuals suffering from heatstroke are approximately20 percent. Core body temperatures are at a dangerouslevel; death occurs at temperatures more than 107ºF.The athlete must be treated immediately to bring downbody temperature. Remove from the sun and heat. Placeice bags over areas of increased blood flow such as thearmpits, groin, and neck. Emergency services should benotified and transportation to the emergency room isnecessary. Fluids should be given intravenously and acontinual process of body cooling should be maintainedwhile monitoring core body temperature through rectalthermometer. Ensure that a rebound hypothermia doesnot occur.Advice for Preventing Heat Illness1. The first step in sport participation regarding heatillnesses is to try and identify those athletes with ahistory of heat illness. There is a tendency of those withprior history of heat illness to be more susceptible to arecurrence of heat illness.2. Coaches should be made aware of the dangersassociated with athletic participation in the heat.Coaches have the primary responsibility of the athletes'safety, but it is the job of the athletic trainer to ensurethat threatening situations are avoided. Propereducation is the major component to prevention.3. Coaches should be made aware that clothing plays a11/20/17, 11(16 AMUNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat IllnessPage 4 of 4http://www.unh.edu/delete/news/news_releases/2001/august/sk_20010806heatstroke.htmllarge role in the athlete's ability to dissipate heat. Nounnecessary clothing or equipment should be wornwhich would increase the chances of elevating bodytemperature. This is very important in sports such asfootball and lacrosse, when padding and helmets areworn. Helmets and padding act as insulation anddecrease the overall surface areas of the skin frombeing exposed to the air for heat dissipation throughsweating.4. Regular breaks during practices should be used toallow the athletes a chance to keep the proper amountof body fluids regulated. It is recommended that therebe a constant access to water for athletes withoutrestraint, and they should be taught to drink oftenduring a workout and to know the signs and symptomsof heat illness so they can also monitor themselves.Body weight measurements should be taken prior toand after practices and events.5. Acclimatization -- athletes need to be physiologicallyadapted to participation in the heat through a gradualincrease in athletic intensities. It is common for athletesto come into a pre-season unfit and unused to heavyexertion in the heat. This is a progression which shouldtake at least 10-14 days, increasing intensity slowly.6. Practice times should be scheduled as to avoid themost threatening times of the day. Conditions and timeswhen the radiant heat is the most extreme, temperaturesare high, no wind, and the humidity is the highest needto be considered.7. Constantly monitor for signs of heat illness in allathletes throughout practices and through the day.Addressing heat stress before it progresses will preventsevere life threatening situations.Back to UNH News Bureau

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UNH Exercise Experts Offer Advice on How to Avoid Heat Illness

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