In the last few weeks, I have received several phone calls and emails asking about heat protocols for student-athletes as well as marching band members. Practicing in hot and humid conditions can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related diseases, not just for athletes in practice but also for any other kids doing significant outdoor activities. As a former band mom, I know how hot my son was after some practices on the hot parking lot at school, and am happy our director was careful to monitor the band members to make sure they were hydrating and resting in the shade. Not all band directors (or coaches) are so careful. Here is an article from UGA Today describing the results of some recent research by Dr. Andrew Grundstein, a colleague of mine in the UGA Atmospheric Sciences group, on heat-related illnesses in marching bands.