So, summer showed up in a big way the last couple of weeks and the forecast is for more intensely hot days. We’ve probably all heard of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. There’s a ton of information out there about how your body responds to excessive heat and how to prepare for it. On July 1 in Montague we had at least two people leave in the middle of a game because of their own awareness and the urging of others to seek shade and fluids. We would like to remind everyone to be self-aware of their personal abilities to withstand heat, and don’t be shy about leaving a game of pickleball out of pride, spite, or stubbornness.
Some things you can do to deal with hot conditions:
1. Check your hourly weather app and set a predetermined time that you will start/stop – no matter what
2. Play early or late in the day
3. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
4. Review your medication information. Some meds increase risk of heat exhaustion.
5. Consider playing in the air conditioned YMCA during designated pickleball time slots.
6. Before and during play, try to refrain from dehydrating or heavy drinks and foods that increase core temperatures.
YES
- Water
- Coconut Water
- Low-fat (chocolate) milk
- Buttermilk
- Sports Drinks
- Watery fruits and veggies
- Aam Panna (raw mango)
NO
- Caffeine
- Energy Drinks
- Sugary Drinks
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
If you, your partner or opponents start looking or acting “out of sorts” take a time out and ask “how are we doing”?
Be on the lookout (BOLO) for common symptoms of heat exhaustion: excessive sweating, unusual fatigue, dizziness, nausea, cramps, rapid heartbeat, elevated body temp’s, confusion, intense thirst
Don’t worry about the usual forgetting the score. Heat associated confusion about where you are, who you are, or who you’re with is a different beast. Please take care of yourselves this summer.
Written by Joe Croteau, Fort Jones