Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we're talking about getting ready for the new school year, which is just around the corner. Even before school itself starts, children who are involved in sports or other activities such as marching band may be involved in summer practices outdoors in the heat.

Dr. Luis Palacios, a sports medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says students practicing outdoors should remember to remain hydrated. It's easy to forget how important this is during the off-season. Heat stress and heat stroke are serious risks for athletes and others outdoors in the hot weather. For workouts of an hour or shorter, participants should drink 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. With longer, more strenuous workouts, sports beverages that replace electrolytes may be needed.
 

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August 2006

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