Health experts: Young athletes need to stay hydrated

Many organized football and soccer practices start in late summer, making it vital for young athletes to remain hydrated to prevent heat illness, warns the Rosemont, IL-based American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

AOSSM is a member of the STOP Sports Injuries campaign, formed by a coalition of health experts to educate the public on the prevention of athletic injuries in children. The campaign recommends coaches, parents, trainers and athletes be trained to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, such as:

• Chills
• Dark-colored urine
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Thirst
• Weakness

The campaign suggests young athletes drink at least 8 ounces of fluid, such as water, juice or sports drinks, before beginning practice, and up to 5 ounces or more every 20 minutes throughout.