NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Temperatures are continuing to rise, which can bring major health risks to young athletes this summer.

According to Players Health, there a number of ways young athletes can prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Experts said acclimating to the heat is often overlooked and recommend athletes start with shorter training sessions and gradually build up to get used to the heat.

Another essential tip: hydrating properly. Children are encouraged to take water breaks every 20 minutes and hydrate before and after practice.

According to experts, rest and recovery is another helpful tip to keep in mind. A nutritious diet of protein, fruits and vegetables will reportedly help keep young athletes fueled for hot temperatures and assist in recovery time. A full night of sleep is also recommended.

If heat-related illnesses occur, experts say to look out for the signs to spot the difference between dehydration and heat stroke.

"Dehydration would be more around they don't quite feel right and they start to get a headache, maybe their sweating a lot," explained sports safety expert Kyle Lubrano. "When we get to heat stroke there's no more sweating, there's like loss of consciousness, and it's really dangerous. With young kids they're often like super excited to be there, bouncing around. When you get those water breaks really take some time, sit yourself in the shade if you can."

According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, heat stroke is the third-leading cause of sudden death among high school athletes behind cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injuries.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/sports/expert-gives-tips-for-young-athletes-to-beat-the-heat/