Hot and/or humid conditions pose significant risk for heat-related illness in children and adolescents playing baseball and softball, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Heat and sun facts
Ambient temperature, relative humidity and solar radiant heat all affect risk for heat illness:
- As the temperature rises closer to body temperature, the ability of the body to dissipate heat into the surrounding environment decreases.
- Similarly, as the relative humidty rises, and the air becomes more saturated with water, the ability to cool oneselself through evaporation decreases.
- Wind and sun exposure can damage the skin and eyes.
Safety precautions
To minimize the risk of sun- and heat-related illness, the AAP recommends:
- acclimatizing to exercising in hot weather;
- ensuring adequate hydration;
- wearing a baseball cap;
- having a covered dugout;
- wearing sunscreen;
- wearing sunglasses; and
- modifying or cancelling games or practices in extreme weather.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, Policy Statement: Baseball and Softball. Pediatrics. 2012;129(3):842-856. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-3593)(accessed February 26, 2012)
Posted March 19, 2012
