MEDFORD, Mass. (WWLP) - Five lacrosse players at Tufts University in Medford were hospitalized after a workout led by a Navy SEAL program graduate. Twelve of the team's players were diagnosed with a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is caused by overexertion. Dr. Sarah Kleinschmidt with Baystate Health explained that it's potentially serious, and it happens when damaged muscles release proteins and electrolytes into the blood which can lead to kidney damage and potential death. "The main thing is that any symptoms that you are having during exercise should improve and go away after you are done exercising," explains Dr. Kleinschmidt. "If you are lifting weights and you are feeling muscle discomfort that's ok--if an hour later you are feeling that same muscle discomfort then thats a bad sign. You should consider going to get checked out." You can reduce your risk by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding overheating, and introducing new workouts gradually overtime. Local News Headlines Five Tufts Lacrosse players hospitalized after workout, local doctors weigh in Big E celebrates Springfield with parade and city leaders C Barn at Big E reopens after fire, horses safe Springfield sees drop in violent crime, rise in thefts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.