The dog days of August are here.
Are you ready?
With temperatures fluctuating between cooler night temps in the 60’s and higher day temps in the 80’s/90’s, it can be difficult to predict how to beat the heat. For student-athletes, morning practices might feel cool while afternoon practices might feel exhaustingly hot.
Two of the best ways to counteract the heat is staying properly hydrated and knowing the initial signs of minor heat illness so it doesn’t lead to exertional heat stroke.
One of the best resources available is the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Infographic on “Beat The Heat” at https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/hydration_heat_illness_handout.pdf
If you are a coach, parent, or student-athlete, I highly recommend becoming familiar with the first signs of minor heat illness so that you can work with your Certified Athletic Trainer and take action quickly.
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This is one of the most common questions I am asked in my office.
Let’s break it down based on injury type and pain type.
Use ICE for the following:
Benefits of ice are:
Use HEAT for the following:
AVOID heat if:
Benefits of heat are:
I rarely see skin burns from hot packs but on occasion I have had patients burn themselves because they did not know how to correctly apply a hot pack.
Skin burns can easily be prevented.
Heat from a hot pack is a great way to reduce general muscle soreness and joint or muscle tension. Heat can also be very relaxing.
In this next video of the DIY Series, you will learn:
Click play to see the video bellow:
I hope I never hear about someone burning themselves from a hot pack again. If you or someone you know uses a hot pack frequently, could you please forward this email to them?
Skin burns can be serious, and I don’t want anyone hurting themselves while trying to help themselves ease soreness and tension.
Enjoy the video and stay safe,
Dr. Jeanette
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