The hottest time of the year is upon us. But why should we let
that stop us from competing in sports?
The hottest time of the year is upon us. But why should we let that stop us from competing in sports?
After all school is out and the days are long. Conditions are perfect, except for the heat. But that doesn’t have to keep you in indoors all day or force you to lock yourself in some cyber genetically altered space suit to keep you cool.
In the summer months, it is easier to catch a bad a case of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
We don’t have to worry too much about humidity here, but as the temperature rises, so does our risk especially because we are spoiled with the moderate climate year around.
Heat stroke is far more serious than heat exhaustion is.
Heat stroke can be fatal as it was for Minnesota Vikings’ tackle Korey Stringer, who died after his team’s practice in high humidity and 90 degree weather. It seems like avoidable deaths like this are becoming more prominent.
San Francisco 49er players, before this year, used to dread the preseason workouts at the training camp in Stockton.
It was not because of the shear grueling nature of the workouts but because of the intense heat, which was usually more than a 100 degrees. Now the team is practicing at its headquarters in Santa Clara
Experts urge people who start to feel week, dizzy or sick to their stomach to get out of the sun as soon as possible and cool down and drink plenty of water.
Sweating is your body’s natural air conditioning unit. If you are dehydrated, you may not be sweating as much and may not be getting rid of excess heat. You must still replace the water that is also lost in the process.
In addition to some of the tell tale signs of being out in the heat too long, strengthcoach.com recommends checking the sure sign of the color of your urine.
When the body is dehydrated, the urine will often be very dark in color. If it is a light color or clear, you know the body is being constantly flushed out with plenty of liquids.
Drinking water even when not thirsty can help keep the body hydrated.
The usual recommendation is to take a drink water or a sports drink every 15 or 20 minutes. You should try to drink water or fluids before during and after competing. Although very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.
A handy device to take along, especially when golfing, is a small mist creating device that you can spray on yourself to keep cool. Taking a cool, but not cold shower, is a a good way to cool off on a hot day.
Eating light and avoiding heavy meals will help to minimize heat-related illnesses. Foods high in moisture like fruits, salads and soups are a good choice. High protein foods can increase metabolic heat and should be avoided.
Try to stay out of the direct heat whenever possible. Schedule activities for early morning or later in the evening. A 6 a.m. tee time may not be the the easiest to make, but it will pay off in staying cool. It may even take a stroke or two off your game, but that is not scientifically proven.
Lose fitting open clothes help to keep air circulating and help to keep you cool. Lighter clothes don’t absorb as much heat as others do and, as a result, keep you cooler. Drinking coffee and alcohol also serve as dehydrants and should be avoided before going out in the heat.
It is especially important to keep an eye out for your kids. They can be more vulnerable to heat and may not know when to come inside. And don’t leave them in a closed parked vehicle.
Experts encourage athletes especially to begin training lightly for several weeks before going all out. Training with pads and gear on can be the most strenuous.
With the proper caution, you can compete in the heat and maybe get a nice tan in the process. But don’t ignore the warning signs.
