Prevention of Exertional Heat-Related Illnesses
by Melinda Flegel
The key to prevention is balancing all the factors that influence body temperature so that the body temperature stays within a safe range. Here’s how:
Monitor weather conditions and adjust practices accordingly. Table 11.1 shows the specific air temperature and humidity percentages that can be hazardous. Keep in mind, however that football exertional heat-related deaths have occurred at temperatures as low as 82 degrees with a relative humidity index at only 40 percent. If heat and h