With the start of the fall practice season, Bob Jones athletes are spending more time outside in the summer heat. Unfortunately, Alabama’s notorious high temperatures and heavy humidity can make it difficult and even dangerous for athletes on the field. Yesterday, WAFF meteorologist Brad Travis noted that the temperature reached 100 degrees for the first time since July 2016. 

Recently, the heat caused some Bob Jones practices and tryouts to be rescheduled and/or altered.

Higher heat indexes can cause heat exhaustion, which can make you feel faint, dizzy, clammy, nauseous, and make you sweat excessively. The humidity can also make it harder to breathe while exercising and harder for sweat to cool you down. Mrs. Kasulka, the school nurse at Bob Jones, said that “athletes who stay in the heat too long and are not well hydrated by drinking water can pass out, or even worse, have a heat stroke.”

Heat stroke is a serious danger for athletes, and can lead to hospitalization and even death in extreme cases. Signs of heat stroke include: headaches, lack of sweat, fever, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, strong pulse, and loss of consciousness. Mrs. Kasulka advised that athletes “drink lots of water and take breaks from the heat by sitting in the shade and resting.” She also recommended going inside and cooling off or using cooling towels to help.

Stay safe, and game on Bob Jones.