Question

One of your college defensive backs has been wearing a bandana over his head, under his football helmet. He has been complaining of having heat cramps near the end of practice and wants to know what to do to prevent them. Explain the common reason for the heat cramps. Do you see any reason to advise him NOT to wear the bandana? Discuss this in your posting and comment to another student's post.

Answer 1

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur during or after exercise in hot environment. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to dehydration and electrolyte deficiency mainly sodium through excessive sweating. Prevention of heat cramps are be away from hot and humid environment, hydrate well prior to and during activity if in such environment and replace the lost electrolyte by drinking electrolyte drinks, rest in shady or cool areas whenever possible. No there is no specific reason that the student should avoid wearing bandana over his head under his football helmet.