Oklahoma students are still weeks away from returning to school, but many student-athletes are back on the field for practice. Dr. Dustin Cupp, family medicine provider with Utica Park Clinic in Owasso, spoke to News on 6 about how students can beat the heat during summer workouts. Click here to view the story online.
With fall sports just weeks away, many Oklahoma student-athletes are already training in extreme heat.
From football to cross-country, teams are ramping up practices, but the summer temperatures pose serious health risks.
Heat is the No. 3 killer among athletes
Dr. Dustin Cupp, a primary care physician at Utica Park Clinic, warns that heat-related illness ranks as the third leading cause of death among athletes. That’s why he is urging coaches and parents to take the threat seriously.
“Coaches and parents need to recognize the importance of heat-related illness and be prepared to have policies in place,” said Dr. Cupp. “If it’s too hot, move a practice indoors or cancel it. Adults need to take the lead and protect our athletes.”
Monitoring conditions with tools
To better understand the actual impact of heat on the human body, many athletic programs are now using devices called wet bulb globes.
These measure more than just the air temperature. They factor in humidity, wind speed and the sun’s effects to determine how stressful conditions are for the body.
This provides coaches with a more accurate picture of when it’s safe—or unsafe—to hold outdoor practice.
EMSA issues medical heat alert
Since July 9, EMSA has been under a Medical Heat Alert in Tulsa and Oklahoma City due to sustained high temperatures and elevated emergency call volume. That alert will stay in effect until call numbers or temperatures drop.
As of this week, EMSA has responded to 173 heat-related calls this year, transporting 116 patients.
How to stay safe during workouts
Dr. Cupp advises athletes and families to take these precautions:
- Ease into outdoor workouts gradually.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Remove heavy clothing as needed.
- Stay hydrated with cold water.
- Recognize signs of heat exhaustion early.
“If we can recognize it, then we can get those athletes into a cooler area, into the shade, remove their clothing, and start rehydrating with cold water,” said Dr. Cupp. “That can really reduce their temperature and save lives.”
As the first day of school approaches, staying heat-aware will be just as important as running drills and building stamina.
This story was written by News on 6’s Jonathan Polasek. You can view the full story online here.