iHydrate™

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In addition to these tools, iHydrate™ includes a helpful reference section, including basic information on dehydration and heat-illness prevention, signs, symptoms and treatment, and the Pre-Season Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines recently issued by the American College of Sports Medicine and seven other medical groups, including the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Facts about children and heat-illness:

Exertional heat stroke is the leading cause of preventable non-traumatic exertional sudden death for young athletes in the U.S.
Dehydration is common in kids playing sports: Of kids studied at summer sports camps more than 50% were dehydrated and 25 to 30% showed signs of serious dehydration, putting them at increased risk of heat-related illness. Dehydration occurred despite the availability of water and sports drinks, frequent breaks and coaches' encouragement to stay hydrated. Once children were dehydrated, it was nearly impossible for them to catch up.
Dehydration can begin when an athlete loses as little as 1 percent of body weight. In a 70-pound child, that is less than 1 pound of weight lost through sweat;
Dehydration effects performance: as little as a 2% decrease in body weight from fluid loss (e.g. 1.2 lb for a 60-lb athlete) can lead to a significant decrease in muscular strength and stamina.

"We are think that iHydrate™ will make it much easier for parents, coaches and athletic trainers to keep kids properly hydrated," says de Lench, "by putting an application in their hands that not only informs them about the risk of heat-related illness in real time, but gives them the tools they need to ensure proper hydration and re-hydration."