Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign is the help educates athletes, parents and coaches about heat-related illness and the importance of proper hydration. The goal is to reduce the number of heat-related injuries and deaths and help raise funds for organizations dedicated to preventing heat-related illness.
This campaign has been very educational for me. Living in southwest Florida and having kids involved in sports in the heat of the summer. We do what we can to make sure they do not become overheated.
Here is some great information from Gatorade on how to prevent heat
related injuries:
Heat-related illnesses have many factors involved but can be caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity and is unable to cool down. Dehydration also can be a factor.
Dehydration makes it more difficult for the body to function properly and takes a toll on an athletes’ performance.
Causes of Heat Emergencies
Primary contributors to heat-related emergencies include:
Heat and high humidity
Extreme physical exertion
Layered or rubberized clothing
Inadequate fluid intake
Risk for Young AthletesChildren may be less tolerant of heat stress than adults and may be at greater risk for heat illness
Warning Signs – What to Look ForWithout taking precautionary measures, young athletes might experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, they might be unaware they are experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Make sure your child knows the signs of heat-related illness and encourage his/her coach to periodically check players during practice or workouts for the acute warning signs of heat illness, which can include:
Nausea
Headache
Weakness
Fainting
Poor concentration
Flushed skin
Light
headednessLoss of muscle coordination
Fatigue
Vomiting
Just
remember you play a key role in keeping your kids hydrated! Water
isn’t enough. While fundamental, water alone does not hydrate and refuel as effectively as Gatorade. Gatorade supplies the proper amount of fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrates to rapidly put back what your young athlete loses in sweat and provides energy to keep them going.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign and received Gatorade samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate
