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Focus on Heat-Related Illness
 Your health care expert is Mark Grier, M.D. Pediatrics, ARC Quarry Lake
It's hot, how can you stay active and be safe?
Dr. Grier encourages coaches, athletes, and students exercising outside to be careful about heat-related illness during the ongoing Central Texas heat. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are almost 6,000 ER visits each year for sports and recreation heat illnesses.
"Pace your activities, drink more water than usual, exercise earlier or later in the day when it's cooler, and rest in the shade or indoors," Dr. Grier recommends. "Be smart and stay cool!"
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New Texas UIL Rule for Student Athlete Concussions
This year the Texas UIL instituted a new rule regarding concussion management for student athletes stating that any athlete who sustains a significant head injury shall be taken out of practice or a game. He/she must be evaluated by a physician and cannot return to play until symptom free for 24 hours.
How can you recognize a possible concussion (also known as a mild traumatic brain injury)?
Watch for the following two things with your child or athlete:
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1. A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
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2. Any change in the athlete's behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.
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Per the concussion management protocol the athlete shall be introduced back into play gradually monitoring for symptoms of concussion. Before returning to play the parent and student must sign the "Return to Play" form provided by the trainer or coach.
Some of the symptoms to watch for are:
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Signs Observed by Coaching Staff/Parents
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Symptoms Reported by Athlete
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- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can’t recall events after hit or fall
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- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Does not "feel right" or is "feeling down"
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and many national organizations including the NFL have stressed the importance of proper concussion management for young athletes. At this time there are many resources available for physicians to utilize for these patients. Austin Regional Clinic is ready to evaluate and monitor student athletes in order to protect and prevent any further injury.
 Dr. Alison Ziari
ARC Discovery
715 Discovery Blvd.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 528-2300
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Austin Regional Clinic
P.O. Box 26726
Austin, Texas 78755-0726
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