As a mom it's my job to make sure my crew stays hydrated. Water is a spectacular hydrator and we definitely need it, but when you're losing as much fluid as recent temps have caused you need more. Gatorade has the carbohydrates and electrolytes that water does not. My kids are basketball players and while they sweat their fair share on the court, it's a winter sport and rehydrating is easier. Football players play in the brutal heat of summer early on in the season. By drinking only water while practicing and playing the brain may turn off the perception of thirst before the body’s overall fluid needs are met and you may not fully rehydrate. The electrolytes in Gatorade help maintain the stimulus to drink so athletes drink enough to replenish and refuel.
Younger athletes may be at a higher risk for heat-related illness, so while your little quarterback is out sweating on the field be on the lookout for symptoms: nausea, headache, weakness, lack of concentration (that doesn't count playing in the end zone and picking dandelions for those first-year players!), flushed skin, lightheadness, loss of coordination and fatigue.
It's important to hydrate before, during and after physical activity. Thank goodness for Gatorade's full line of drinks made for all phases of activity. Gatorade, the NFL and Moms all over have taken our kids' hydration and safety to heart. And you can help, too. You can download a free Gatorade Heat Safety Kit at the NFL Training Camp website. For every unique download Gatorade will donate $1 to “Beat the Heat” charities up to $20,000. The Gatorade Heat Safety Kit includes educational resources from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, as well as an explanation about the “4 Downs” of Heat Safety – Prevent, Prepare, Proper Hydration, Plan – which athletes, parents and coaches should consider before engaging in practice or other strenuous physical activity in hot weather.
So when you send your little athlete onto the field - whether she's a cheerleader or he's a running back - make sure you're armed with information from Gatorade's "Beat the Heat" campaign and make sure they're armed with Gatorade.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign and received Gatorade samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
