One of the best ways to prevent heat-related illnesses is to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, like water. This is especially important for Hoopfest participants who plan to be out on the court breaking a sweat! We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle you can fill up throughout the day and drink from as you move between games or rest on the sidelines. Remember to encourage your teammates to drink plenty of water too. Staying hydrated is your best defense against the heat and can help you put your best foot forward against your opposing team.

While it’s important to screen your teammates as they go for a layup, it’s also important to screen your skin from the sun. Sunscreen is an important way to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays and can reduce your risk of a bad sunburn... ouch! But it’s not just players who should apply sunscreen. Everyone who plans to be downtown to play, cheer, or volunteer should apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating, like 50 or 70, and apply it as recommended.

Injuries are not a part of anyone's Hoopfest plan, but accidents happen and anything from a simple cut or scrape to something more serious like a sprain or fracture can mean you need to know where to get medical care. Here’s a tip: after locating your team’s designated court, scout out the nearest first aid tent so you know where to go if your slam dunk or spin move doesn’t go as planned, or if another player accidentally causes injury to you. This is one great way to protect your health and the health of your teammates this Hoopfest!

Do you know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke? If not, it's a good idea to brush up on the symptoms of each so you know when to seek care for yourself or recognize when a teammate might be experiencing a heat-related condition that needs attention. If you think you or a teammate might be experiencing heat stroke, seek medical attention right away. It’s important to act quickly as heat-related conditions can cause more serious health concerns if left untreated. To learn more, visit: Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses | Extreme Heat | CDC