Heat and Athletes

People who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness.

• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
  
• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  
• Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
  
• Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
  
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
• Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.
  
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  
• Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
• Learn more by participating in a CDC course on preventing heat-related illness.