Keep on Course; Stay Hydrated!

The summers and early fall in the Valley can be long dry and hot!! This is why we must prepare for these conditions before going out for a day of golf! The problems that can occur in conditions where the humidity and temperatures are high are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is an acute reaction to heat exposure. The face has the appearance of looking pale, cool and moist, while the skin is cool and clammy, there is a slight elevation in temperature with a weak and rapid pulse. With heat stroke, this becomes more of a dangerous reaction to heat exposure. There is a derangement of the heat control centers of the body, the temperature rises above 105 degrees F. There is cessation of sweating, headache, numbness and confusion, and sometimes sudden delirium or coma. The face looks red, dry and hot, the skin is hot and dry and with no appearance of sweating, and the pulse is full, strong and bounding. To prevent these conditions from happening to you, it is wise to drink plenty of fluids the night before you play, so that your body is already hydrated. If you wait until you are dehydrated to start replenishing lost fluids, it is already too late. Know the temperature and the humidity levels before you play. And take into consideration the time of day before you choose a tee time. In the desert, as the day goes on it becomes hotter. So playing between 2pm and 6pm are not wise choices. The earlier the better. If you aren’t an early riser, then try to play before 12pm and cut your round short. Try and wear cool clothing. White is the best color, because it won’t absorb the heat as much as black will. Wear a hat that covers most of your face, and dampen a towel every so often to cool yourself off. Stay away from alcohol, for this beverage will dehydrate you quicker than any other substance. Most of all use your best judgement, look for the above mentioned signs of heat exhaustion, and heat stroke and most of all have fun playing the game that you can enjoy for a lifetime.