High School Athletes Taking Extra Precaution During Excessive Heat Wave

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With temperatures reaching the high 90's and feeling like they're above 100 degrees, it's important for people to take more precautions when exercising outdoors. That's also true for students participating in preseason sports practices.

The sun can be a formidable foe for athletes. If they are not properly hydrated they can face serious consequences.

"It's hot," said Camden Catholic High School head football coach Nick Strom. "I made the comment the other day that we should be weighing them after every practice because you honestly could lose possibly six to eight pounds out here in water weight everyday because of how hot it is."

So Strom and his coaching staff are making some major adjustments to make sure their players stay safe.

"Obviously you have to give them a lot of water breaks," he said. "We've shortened practice this year. Instead of a two-and-a half hour practice we've broken it up into one hour, 15 [minutes], giving them a break for an hour and then another half hour practice."

In addition, Strom says they're getting some hydration help.

"Our athletic trainer asked around to a few colleges last year. We started giving them smoothies, which are proteins, fruits, kale, bananas, I mean whole bunch of things we through in the recipe," Strom explained. "We added some oatmeal and peanut butter, so they get all the things their muscles need. We do that after practice."

Senior Kyle Dupree says this heat is some of the worst he's ever played in.

"Especially with shoulder pads and helmets," he said. "It's very hot."

Dupree says after a tough practice, the smoothies are perfect to keep their bodies from cramping up.

"That way we are not as tired as we usually would be," he said."

He adds that having evening practices also go a long way in preserving their bodies.

"There is no more sun," he said. "So that way it's not as hot as it would be during our first session."

In:
• KYW Newsradio