Note to editors: Additional heat-health resources, including a photo of Jordan Clark, are available here.
Summary: Temperatures are forecast to rise again this week in North Carolina and remain high across much of the United States as high school football and other fall sports practices get underway. Duke University heat health expert Jordan Clark offers tips to keep students safe while participating in outdoor athletics or extracurricular activities.
Quotes:
“As heat waves become more frequent and intense, it’s crucial that high school athletic associations implement comprehensive heat safety protocols,” says Jordan Clark, senior policy associate at the Heat Policy Innovation Hub, a program of Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. “Proper environmental monitoring, activity modifications and venue-specific plans can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses among student-athletes.”
“On-site monitoring is the difference between guessing and knowing when it comes to heat safety for student-athletes. We recommend using wet bulb globe temperature, which accounts for multiple factors beyond just temperature and humidity, including wind speed and solar radiation.” (Read the explainer: “What is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature?”)
“Heat safety isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. From the football field to the indoor gym, each venue presents unique challenges. Our policies need to reflect that complexity to truly protect all students.”
“When it comes to heat safety, prevention is far less costly than treatment. Investing in proper equipment and protocols now can save lives and prevent life-altering heat illnesses later.”
“As practices for fall sports begin, it’s critical that schools implement a gradual heat acclimatization period. This means starting athletes at a much-reduced level of exertion — around 20 percent of what would be their maximum effort at the end of last season — and slowly ramping up over about two weeks. This gradual approach gives athletes’ bodies time to adapt to exercising in hot conditions, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses in full-intensity practices.”
“Finally, smart heat safety means matching practice intensity to game reality. Linemen shouldn’t run long distances in the heat when their game never demands it. Every position in every sport has unique physical demands. Tailoring an approach to these specific needs not only reduces unnecessary heat risks but also prepares athletes more effectively for actual competition.”
Bio:
Jordan Clark is a senior policy associate at the Heat Policy Innovation Hub, a program of Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. His work centers on the intersection of climate and health, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of extreme heat.
For additional comment, contact Jordan Clark at:
j.clark@duke.edu
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Ashton
jeremy.ashton@duke.edu