BY EMMA WEILAND, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- Seven out of 10 people believe water should be provided for athletes. However schools encourage students to bring their own water.
Students are fairly good about drinking water, with the exception of a few students.
“I rarely get athletes in the training room with their primary problem being dehydration. Much of the time it is poor nutrition or lack of food,” Athletic trainer Steve Meisel said.
Athletes should always stop for water when needed, and take extra precautions to prevent overheating.
“I drink a lot of water and be sure I have light colored clothes,” sophomore Olivia Robitzch said.
Robitzch also said “they (the coaches) stress the importance of kids being healthy and fit and we need water in order to do that, especially on really hot days, our coach gives us more water breaks.”
To prevent sickness and dehydration “Drink fluids throughout the day and make sure you eat good so you have energy,” football player Kendall Hewlett said.
Blythewood High School athletes seem to have a pretty good idea on how to stay hydrated and healthy. According to Hewlett, if it is too hot then the Football players are not even allowed outside.
“Our district follows a heat protocol...We use a device that detects wet bulb globe temperature. It takes into account all of the variables. We take readings throughout practice & the refer to our heat chart,” Meisel said.
Encouraging students to bring water is keeping them healthy and hydrated, if they stay on top of it, however Blythewood does have water boys, who take water out to the practice field, at their disposal when needed.
