Athletes advised to be more cautious during hot weather

The National Sports Institute (NSI) in a statement said the heat stress can result in a spectrum of disorders ranging from mild, such as heat rashes and heat cramps, worsening to more serious conditions of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat stroke, a severe form of heat-related illness, is one of the three leading causes of death in athletes, yet heat illness is largely preventable.

"When an athlete exercises, the body temperature is elevated and the body sweats to cool itself down. During this process, body fluids as well as critical electrolytes are lost.

"If the body isn't replenished with fluids and electrolytes, dehydration may occur and increase the risk of a heat illness such as heat stroke," it said.

The symptoms of heat illness include chills, dark colored urine, dizziness dry mouth, headaches, thirst and weakness.

If heat illness progresses, more serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, body temperature increasing to dangerous levels, muscle cramps, nausea, and tingling of the limbs - and even death - may occur.

Most affected are athletics athletes who need to undergo training on the heat-track.

National sprint coach K.Jayabalan said the hot weather did not disrupt the schedule and progress of athletes training for the upcoming SEA Games in Singapore on June.

"So far all athletes are in good condition, ISN has advised and monitor athletes to take care of their health, the atheltes are also advised to reduce outdoor activities. I do not want this situation to affect the preparation for SEA games," he told to Bernama.

Meanwhile hockey coach Tai Beng Hai said although the players had to undergo training during current hot weather, they were in good condition.

The national hockey team will participate in several matches in Australia from March 3-17.