FORT BRAGG, N.C. — It may be hard to think about heat-related injuries this time of year, but that is what Fort Bragg is doing. Military leaders are concerned about ephedra.

Ephedra, a dietary supplement that is commonly found in weight loss products, has been linked to heat-related injuries. Researchers have said taking the supplement can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and seizures.

Fort Bragg is advising soldiers to tell their doctors if they are taking ephedra and to call the post dietitian for more information.

Ephedra has been banned by the NFL, the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died about a week ago, one day after collapsing at spring training with heatstroke. A medical examiner said the death may be linked to the Ephedra-based diet pill, Xenadrine RFA-1.