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.
What additional information would contribute to the validity of the ideas presented in this article?
Responses
A research data about this new thermometer pillresearch data about this new thermometer pill
B more information about the effects of heatstrokemore information about the effects of heatstroke
C the names of doctors who prescribe thermometer pillsthe names of doctors who prescribe thermometer pills
D a survey of young athletes will to try thermometer pills