Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Summer 2018

8 ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER ACCORDING TO A STUDY performed by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s estimated that more than 30 million American children and teens participate in some form of organized sports each year. Participation in school- and community-based organized sports, especially during non-school hours, provides powerful opportunities to enhance a child or teenager’s physical health, mental health and learning. But unfortunately an estimated 3.5 million sports-related injuries occur each year. In fact, one-third of childhood injuries and illnesses are sports-related. But many common sports-related injuries and illnesses can be prevented. of fluid through sweat and increased breathing. The fluid and electrolytes need to be replaced in order to achieve maximum performance and recovery levels. “Drinking water remains the most important way to rehydrate, but sports drinks that contain electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, are also an effective means to get much-needed hydra- tion after activities,” Dr. Hatfield said. “During a game lasting more than one hour, athletes should try to consume sips of water every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent dehydration,” said Archbold dietitian Jeana Smith, RD. “Sports drinks only should be used for vigorous exercise lasting at least 60 minutes.” Without sufficient fluid intake before, during or after activities, athletes are at risk for dehy- dration and exertion-related heat illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of the onset of heat illness include muscle cramping, light-headedness, muscle weakness, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and unsteadiness when walking. Should these symptoms occur, the primary H H T L A E Y competition KEEPING YOUR ATHLETE HEALTHY, SAFE AND IN THE GAME Beating the heat In South Georgia, the competitive fall sports season typically begins at the end of summer. That means athletes are practicing and playing in the heat. “It is extremely important that young athletes maintain proper hydration, not only during prac- tice and competition, but before and after these events,” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. An athlete’s body loses a significant amount