Thermometer Pills Can Save Young Lives
Tracy Wilson
1 Over the past ten years more than two dozen athletes have died from the medical condition known as heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s internal temperature becomes so elevated that its cooling system begins shutting down. Who is most at risk? Surprisingly, it is younger athletes. They often either do not recognize or ignore the warning signs until it’s too late. To make matters worse, children's bodies are much less efficient than adults at cooling themselves. A promising new product hopes to end the all too common heatstroke trend. It is called a thermometer pill.
2 While it doesn’t look much different than the average vitamin capsule, the work it does inside the body is truly amazing. Once ingested these capsules send an internal body temperature reading to a portable device that is like a Palm Pilot. A coach or professional trainer monitors the device during practices or events held when temperatures and heat indexes are particularly high. If an athlete’s body temperature reaches a dangerous level, the monitor immediately transmits an alert. The player is then rushed indoors and placed in an ice bath to rapidly decrease his or her body temperature. This is important, since internal organs can begin shutting down at 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
3 While these tiny lifesavers have proven to be effective, they are quite expensive. On average the cost is $50.00 per pill. However, many parents of young athletes say that it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it gives them on a hot, sultry day.
4 Thermometer pills have already been used successfully in several cases. One notable example is the case of a high school football player in Texas who collapsed during a practice in extreme heat. Thanks to the quick response of his coach, who had been monitoring his temperature with the thermometer pill, the player was rushed to the hospital before any serious damage occurred.
5 The use of thermometer pills could have saved the lives of many young athletes who tragically lost their lives to heatstroke. In some cases, the signs of heatstroke can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially by young athletes who may push themselves too far without realizing the danger they are in.
6 In addition to saving lives, thermometer pills could also prevent long-term health complications caused by heatstroke. Heatstroke can lead to organ damage, brain damage, and even death if not treated immediately. By monitoring body temperature in real-time, coaches and trainers can take immediate action to prevent these serious consequences.
7 The use of thermometer pills is not without its challenges, however. The high cost of the pills makes it difficult for many teams and schools to afford them. There is also the issue of privacy and consent, as athletes may not feel comfortable having their body temperature constantly monitored.
8 Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of thermometer pills cannot be ignored. Saving young lives and preventing heatstroke-related injuries is worth the investment. It is crucial that steps are taken to make this life-saving technology more accessible and affordable to all young athletes. Nobody should have to suffer or lose their life due to heatstroke when a solution like this exists.