EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Triple-digit temperatures always bring danger in the forecast, but it's especially dangerous for student-athletes preparing for their fall sports seasons.
One of the main ways Parkland athletic training staff keeps athletes safe is through effective hydration and nutrition.
“We are very strict about hydration throughout the day. In addition to proper nutrition, our coaches do everything they can to keep our players hydrated and full,” Matadors athletic trainer Austin Frazier said.
Parkland also uses wet bulb thermometers to assess the level of heat stress players may be experiencing based on current weather conditions.
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Frazier said the team set a threshold for how much temperature needs to be reached before outdoor practice is affected.
“If we get above 90, we cut practice time down to an hour. If we get above 92, we have to keep practicing until we get below that,” Frazier said.
Air temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover are all variables taken into account when determining the wet bulb globe temperature.
It can change from minute to minute depending on the amount of clouds overhead.
The advanced technology used by Frazier and his team, combined with unlimited access to food and water, creates a recipe for success.
“The reason we're called a district and a champion district is because we're all working together to be healthy,” Frazier said.
Click here to find out the wet bulb globe temperature for your area.
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