How to Avoid Dehydration and Heat Stroke on Your Sport Court

As summer approaches, opportunities to enjoy family activities outside increase — as do temperatures and the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. As you and your family head out to your home basketball court, make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related injuries. 

Here are some tips for beating the heat while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Don’t Wait Until You Are Thirsty

By the time that you feel thirsty, your body may already be in a state of dehydration. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it needs water.

While you and your kids are outside, set a timer for every 15 minutes or so. Every time the buzzer goes off, take a break and drink a glass of water. This will help to replenish depleted water stores that are lost from sweating. Then get back out on your home basketball court and have fun! 

Keep a Water Bottle Nearby at All Times

Staying hydrated starts long before you go outside. It is important to make hydration a habit; keeping a water bottle handy serves as a constant reminder to drink water. It also makes it easier to track water consumption and ensure that you are drinking enough water every day. 

Avoiding Heatstroke

Hydration plays an important role in the prevention of heat stroke, but does not completely protect against becoming a victim of heat stroke.

Make sure to wear light, loose fitting clothing when outside in the heat. This will allow your body to cool properly. Wearing tight fitting clothing traps heat against your body, which may cause heat stroke.

Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you are sweating excessively or participating in an activity where water may wash away sunscreen. Take frequent breaks indoors to allow your body to cool down.

Spending time outside with your family on a home basketball court can provide some incredible memories. Make sure to preserve those good memories by staying hydrated and protecting yourself and your family against heat stroke.