8 Oct 2008

Protection against Heat Illness

Protection against Heat Illness - from TriNSW newsletter

We all know that vigorous exercise places some people at risk of heat illness, especially in hot weather. If untreated, heat illness can lead to the more serious and potentially life-threatening condition of heat stroke. But by understanding the causes of heat illness sports event organisers, coaches, players and anyone involved in sport can help prevent heat illness.

Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) provides advice and guidelines for sporting organisations to help them protect their participants against heat illness. Using the advice provided in the fact sheet helps to minimise the risks. SMA's updated Beat the Heat - playing and exercising safely in hot weather fact sheet involves simple rules of common sense. Listen to your body and stop or slow down if you feel unwell. This is particularly important for children. Make sure that you have access to cool drinking water, wear a good hat and take particular care in the hottest parts of the day or year.


The target audience for the fact Sheet are all Australians who undertake sport and physical activity, but they will be particularly useful to sports administrators, coaches and fitness leaders. The fact sheet can be viewed on: http://www.sma.org.au/pdfdocuments/beat%20the%20heat%202008-email%20version.pdf

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