As Temperatures Heat Up, Hydration Will Be Important For Athletes
By: Matthew Farrell
Updated: March 12, 2013
ODESSA -- As the heat sets in, and kids hit the field, dehydration can cause problems for their bodies.
Cramps can lead to more serious injuries, so it's important to drink the right things before and after you hit the field.
As spring approaches, sports move from the hardwood and the ice to the grass, outdoors and sunshine.
As temperatures heat up, though, kids have to make sure their bodies are prepared for the heat.
Odessa High baseball coach Leroy Mansanales knows how to keep his kids in game form.
"Drink plenty of water, and you know Gatorade's got plenty of products, Powerade's got plenty of products for pregame, during game, post game; those kinds of things," Mansanales said.
Of course, keeping yourself hydrated isn't only about what you do, its about what not to do.
"A lot of things we stress to our athletes is we stress lay off the sodas, lay off high sugar drinks," Mansanales continued.
While soda is a liquid, it actually dehydrates your body and dehydration can cause major problems in athletes.
Coach Mansanales has seen it.
"You know, those kids that cramp up have a good possibility of pulling a muscle and that can set them out about 2 to 3 weeks sometimes," Mansanales said.
So, as we head into spring practice and later summer two-a-days, remember to bring plenty of water or sports drinks with you.
Meteorologists are saying the next three months could be warmer than average.
"Between the 30 and 90 day period, the climatological models are a little more definitive siding toward a drier warmer period," National Weather Service Senior Forecaster Greg Murdoch told us.
It's all part of a seasonal oscillation we know as El Nino and La Nina, and this year that oscillation is pointing toward higher temperatures and drier conditions, so it's going to be extra important to stay in game shape throughout this outdoor sports season.
Cramps can lead to more serious injuries, so it's important to drink the right things before and after you hit the field.
As spring approaches, sports move from the hardwood and the ice to the grass, outdoors and sunshine.
As temperatures heat up, though, kids have to make sure their bodies are prepared for the heat.
Odessa High baseball coach Leroy Mansanales knows how to keep his kids in game form.
"Drink plenty of water, and you know Gatorade's got plenty of products, Powerade's got plenty of products for pregame, during game, post game; those kinds of things," Mansanales said.
Of course, keeping yourself hydrated isn't only about what you do, its about what not to do.
"A lot of things we stress to our athletes is we stress lay off the sodas, lay off high sugar drinks," Mansanales continued.
While soda is a liquid, it actually dehydrates your body and dehydration can cause major problems in athletes.
Coach Mansanales has seen it.
"You know, those kids that cramp up have a good possibility of pulling a muscle and that can set them out about 2 to 3 weeks sometimes," Mansanales said.
So, as we head into spring practice and later summer two-a-days, remember to bring plenty of water or sports drinks with you.
Meteorologists are saying the next three months could be warmer than average.
"Between the 30 and 90 day period, the climatological models are a little more definitive siding toward a drier warmer period," National Weather Service Senior Forecaster Greg Murdoch told us.
It's all part of a seasonal oscillation we know as El Nino and La Nina, and this year that oscillation is pointing toward higher temperatures and drier conditions, so it's going to be extra important to stay in game shape throughout this outdoor sports season.
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