General Reminder

[Wallace MacBix]

hey guys,

just as a general reminder, its summer now. that means hot, humid days. make sure to either bring or buy lots of water with you. dehydration is a serious issue and its not fun to get heat stroke or heat exhaustion. be wary of the sun and drink lots of water. other fluid will help too, but the best thing to drink when its hot out is water.

also if you see someone who looks pale or dissy escort them inside where it should be cooler and get them something to drink asap, just make sure its not ice cold because that can send them into shock (can i get some back up on that last statment, been a long time since first aid in health).

just stay hydrated and watch how long you stay in the sun. 10 minuntes inside or in the shade is much better than passing out and spending a few hours to the rest of the event, laying down and taking it easy.

be carful.

[Damia]

Alot of this info is from my EMT book. I should note I'm not certified yet, im just copying info from the book for everyone.

also- drink the water slowly. Being dehydrated then drinking lots of water quickly can make you feel sick. Also, by the time you feel thirsty, you're already in the beginning stages of dehydration and should drink (i beleive) 1 liter of water to be properly hydrated again.

I know in the summer months, when I feel the need to have soda, or other drinks that are full fo sugars and things that dont really hydrate to well, I'll buy a bottle of water as well. And remember, you can always save the bottle and refill later. Bring a bottle with you on trails.

People who are more dehydrated may also be confused. Also, You may feel like you're getting tired quicker. Another sign is that you won't urinate as often, and it may be darker in color.

I speak from experience, being dehydrated sucks. I didn't take care of myself at hero's and by the time i did something about it, It took a long time to get back to the point where I felt okay enough to continue on. I also drank the water too quick

I don't know wether drinking cold water can send you into shock or not- but I do know that room temperature water is better for your body no matter what the case is, because it doesn't effect your body temperature as much...or something. ...Not that you can get a cold beverage at kettle run anyway

<u>heat cramps</u>- painful muscle spasms that occur afetr vigours excercise. usually occur in the lego r abdominal muscles. If this happens, move to a cooler area and loosen any tight clothing. Then rest the cramping muscle. Finaly replace fluids using a water or diluted (1/2 water) electrolyte solution (like gatorade).

<u>heat exposure</u>- results from losing to much water and electrolytes through very heavy sweating. High humididy increases the risk of this (your sweat wont evaporate as quickly thereofre your body wont cool down fast enough). signs and sympotoms: cold, clammy skin, dry tongue, thirst, dizziness, weakness/faintness with nausea or headache. If you think you or someone else has this, remove excess layers of clothing, move to a cooler/shaded area, lay down (elevating legs if possible), drink water slowly (up to a liter).

<u>heatstroke</u>-is the least common, but most serious. may have hot, dry flushed skin, due to the sweating mechanisms being overwelmed. Early in the course the skin may be moist or wet. It is possiblt o have heat stroke even if you are sweating. As your body temperature level rises, your level of conciousness falls. First sign of heatstroke is often change in behavoir. Move to a coole area, moisten skin, fan skin. Apply cold to neck groin armpits.

I know it's alot of info, but the bottom line is to drink plenty of water. Keep an eye on each other, and if they arent acting right, get them in the shade and have em drink water.

[Damia]

And sun block. Don't forget the sunblock. Perferably water proof.

[CaptainMurphy]

Yeah, I've had my fair share of heat exhaustion and such, one summer I was a landscaper and even thought I was drinking plenty of water, I was not in good shape, So another warning sign is not retaining water in your system, in other words, you drink it, and then you urinate almost right away.

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle...