We’ll continue updating our catalogue section next Friday but we thought we’d take a pause today to talk about something that’s vitally important as the temperatures finally begin to rise and summer games kick into gear!
Although this is equally important year round, when the temperatures do begin to climb you REALLY need to look after yourself when it comes to keeping fully hydrated. The AA team has, and does, play around the globe in vastly different environments, but we have got a LOT of experience in hot weather, from Bill’s time as a game organiser and player in Florida, to Stewbacca running and gunning in Taiwan, so this is something that’s very close to our hearts as we’ve seen what happens when players don’t stay hydrated… and it ain’t pretty!
Fluid is so important in the body that even when levels drop only slightly, we begin to feel the consequences. Low levels of fluid in the body can cause headaches, feelings of dizziness, lethargy, poor concentration and a dry mouth. Over a longer term, dehydration can cause en more serious health problems! Water in the body is essential for many important processes to take place. From our blood system carrying essential glucose, oxygen and nutrients to cells, to the kidneys getting rid of waste products we no longer want, fluid in the body is vital to allow these to occur. It also lubricates our joints and eyes, helps our digestive system function and keeps our skin healthy.
The human body is awesomely designed to regulate its own temperature, particularly in hot conditions, by losing water through the skin (perspiration), which in turn acts to cool the body helping to maintain a stable core temperature. The more water we lose through sweat, the more we need to replace, so those who “do work” in a hot climate, or lose more fluid than normal doing physical activities will need to drink more fluids more regularly to replace that lost through sweat.
Adults need to drink around 1.5–2 litres of fluid a day in a normal situation, but if you’re physically active you need to up that substantially! Bill Told us that at one weekender in Florida he actually went through nearly TWELVE litres on one day replenishing his hydration pack at every opportunity! For reference, a typical cup or glass is about 200 millilitres (ml) so this equates to 8-10 mugs/cups a day as an absolute minimum! Don’t forget that personal fluid needs can vary depending on various factors including level of physical activity and climate, so it is best to remember to drink regularly to keep thirst at bay.
Who is affected? Exposure to extreme summer conditions puts each person at risk of heat illness, especially during outdoor activities. Children are at greater risk than adults for heat stress and need extra attention when outside.
What is Heat Illness? The body normally cools itself by sweating, but during hot weather, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperatures can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention!
So, what can we do to beat the HEAT!
Hydrate: Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Educate yourself: Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts.
Take it easy: Avoid over-exertion and take breaks in the shade or a cool place when possible
Act quickly: If heat illness is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
Whether you use a SOURCE hydration system like we do, an old skool canteen, or even just bottled water, don’t be “THAT GUY” that loses the plot and becomes a real casualty due to heat-related issues; hydrate to not only survive but THRIVE, and be “THE GUY” that other players look to as a great example of how to operate at peak performance levels in any environment come rain or shine!
