Heat-related illnesses can be a serious condition that occurs when your body over-heats and cannot cool down. However, it can be easily avoided and treated if the symptoms are caught early enough.

Dehydration is the basis of all heat-related illnesses. As you begin to sweat, your body loses water; and when you lose more water than you are taking in, dehydration occurs.

Common Symptoms of Dehydration:

• Light-headed
• Muscle cramps
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Sweating stops
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Darker urine

While these symptoms are not life-threatening, ignoring them and continuing with a vigorous workout could lead to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is an illness that is brought on by overexerting yourself in hot and humid conditions. Athletes that are forced to attend highly strenuous practices outside during the summer months are particularly at risk of this condition. 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• "Clammy" skin 

Symptoms of Heatstroke:

Heatstroke is a more advanced version of heat exhaustion that can actually be life-threatening. Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 104 degrees. Blood vessels rush to just under the surface of the skin and your heart rate and breathing speed up. If you can determine that you or someone else is suffering from heatstroke, you should call 911 immediately.

Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses: 

• Wear lightweight clothing during practice.
• Stay hydrated with water and other fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take a cool bath or shower after practice.

Being aware and prepared is the best way to prevent heat-related illnesses. Taking the right steps toward living a healthy lifestyle will help you succeed in your particular sport. Take care of yourself before practice, not just during or afterwards.