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With heat indices approaching 110 degrees this week, many people worry about high school athletes during practice. Being prepared for hot weather is crucial during weeks like these. KSMU's Joe Morgan has more.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association regulates all high school activities in Missouri. At this point, Assistant Director of the Activities Association Rick Kindhart says its major job is preparing coaches, teachers and athletic directors for heat dangers.
Kindhart says one key thing should never be forgotten when practicing.
He says that most people just focus on football in the heat but Kindhart says kids need to stay hydrated during any activity.
Kindhart says that some people think that heat-related illness won't happen to them but he warns everyone to be alert and take the necessary precautions.
He says that the Missouri State High School Activities Association is putting forth every effort it can to properly train and inform all coaches of the heat dangers. He says that avoiding any problems is the number one priority.
Kindhart says the most important thing for athletes is to communicate with each other as well as coaches and family. He says it's hard to diagnose yourself with dehydration but it's easy for others to do so. He says the best idea is to always communicate what you're feeling when it's hot outside. For KSMU News, I'm Joe Morgan.