OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) – The brutally hot temperatures are back this week, which can be dangerous for athletes.
“It’s exhausting. You know, it drains you,” said Alex Morris, a soccer player at Oklahoma State University. “It’s miserable. It literally feels like you’re walking on hot coals when you’re in cleats on turf.”
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According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association , exertional heat stroke is one of the three leading causes of death in athletes.
Studies also show exertional heat illness incidents are 9.8 times higher in the preseason compared to the regular season.
“Heat illness is a very significant concern,” said Dr. Jason Moore, OSU Athletics team physician. “You will see in the news at least one very sad case a year where an athlete has been exposed to the elements and succumbs to heat illness.”
Experts across the state say preparing ahead of time can help prevent falling sick.