It’s the day many athletes look forward to – and dread – at the same time: the start of the fall high school sports practice season. And, the State Health Department is warning about heat-related illness. Today, high school athletes across the state start intensive formal practice sessions in order to get ready for the fall sports season in Missouri. Lori Harris-Franklin with the State Health Department suggests coaches start the practices early in the day or in the evenings to avoid dangerous heat common to August. And she says take it slow at first. Harris-Franklin says athletes and coaches need to be on the look out for heat-related illness. Harris-Franklin says make sure to rehydrate frequently with water and sport drinks…and avoid caffeine because it will only dehydrate you more.