A medical school graduate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Dr. Anne Georgulas is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children’s Medical Center and a private practice pediatrician. Dr. Anne Georgulas treats children for various injuries and illnesses, including heat-related illnesses.

High school athletes routinely practice outdoors in hot weather, placing them at risk for heat illnesses such as heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To avoid these issues, coaches and parents should encourage precautions such as drinking ample fluids during vigorous outdoor activities, including sports drinks, to replace electrolytes.

Dressing in light-colored, breathing clothing can prevent overheating, as can scheduling practices early in the morning or the evening and incorporating warm-ups and cool-downs into workouts. Before formal sports practices begin, casual outdoor practices can help students build endurance to the heat. Coaches should also destigmatize slowing down or resting, teaching kids to recognize the early signs of heat illness and taking breaks accordingly.