Take precautions when enjoying outdoor activities during these longer,
warmer days of the year.
The weather has warmed, and school is out – providing ample opportunities
for Americans young and young-at-heart to head outdoors and partake in
the activities that are the cornerstones of summer – swimming, hiking,
biking, and more. This is the season when the hours outside can fly by
us at lightspeed, and if we don’t take proper precautions, that
can result in serious health consequences. However, as the often-used
saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,”
preparing for your favorite outdoor activities in advance, and knowing
the warning signs to watch out for, will provide the safeguards you need
to enjoy all the active fun that summer has to offer.
Though dehydration can occur at any time of year, the heat of summer may
increase the risk as the elevated outdoor temperatures can more rapidly
deplete us of the vital fluids our bodies need to survive and thrive.
Dehydration isn’t about being “very thirsty” –
though this is a cue your body can give you that you need to drink water
– it is, in fact, a dangerous process that can shut down internal
organs and lead to death. You can stop it before it starts with a few
simple safety measures. First, if you’re going to be out and active
for any length of time, bring along refillable water bottles and drink
often. If the activities you’ll be engaging in are a bit more strenuous
than just leisurely playing outside, also bring a drink that helps to
replace electrolytes – the body’s chemical “hydrators.”
Take particular caution against dehydration when you’re swimming.
Swimming can be a strenuous activity, albeit a healthy one, and just because
your body is in the water, that doesn’t mean it is hydrated. Submersion
does not equal hydration. You’ll still need to drink as much water
as you would if you were doing any other type of activity. If you experience
any of the signs of dehydration – you stop sweating, become lightheaded,
have muscle cramps – these are signs you need to stop what you’re
doing and focus on re-hydration until all of the symptoms subside. If
they don’t or become worse, a trip to the emergency room is in order.
Swimming is a summertime activity that calls to mind fond memories of young
fun for many of us. Unfortunately, it is also an activity that brings
thousands upon thousands of young people to emergency rooms around the
country during this time of year. Beyond the drowning risks that can accompany
this outdoor activity, one that is particularly troublesome to us orthopedic
surgeons is the genuine danger of catastrophic injury from diving into
too-shallow water. From broken limbs to paralysis and yes, even death,
these injuries can be adequately prevented by heeding warnings and being
smart about water activities. First, carefully scan the area where you’re
swimming. Are caution signs present? If they prohibit diving, there is
a reason, and you must heed the warnings. If there are no warning signs,
this doesn’t mean you’re out of the deep end. The best rule
to follow is this – if you can’t see the bottom of the body
of water, never, ever, dive into it. Even when you can see the bottom,
you may misjudge the distance. Suffice it to say that diving into natural
bodies of water can lead to irreversible consequences. So save the diving
for human-made pools in which doing so is allowed and you can be sure
of the depth.
Hiking and biking activities are also fantastic ways to celebrate being
active in the summertime. However, these too require necessary safety
precautions. First and foremost – get and correctly use the right
safety gear. Appropriately-fitted helmets, shoes, and portable water bottles
are essential. Never ride a bike without a helmet, no matter the distance
you're planning to travel and don’t go on a hike without bringing
along drinking water.
Additionally, stay on marked trails. I know it can seem adventurous to
veer off the beaten path, but this can lead to severe consequences. Especially
in heavily forested areas, it is easy to get quickly turned around and
lose your way. Stick to the trails and abide by the signage. Also, if
you’re cycling, remember that pedestrians still have the right-of-way,
as they do on a paved municipal rode. If you’re hiking, ditch the
earbuds or headphones and keep your ears tuned to cyclists, other hikers
and perhaps most importantly – the wildlife around you.
Summertime is one of the best times of year to try and enjoy outdoor activities.
However, advanced planning and keeping it safe can help ensure that your
memories from this season are happy, not tragic ones.
Source:
https://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm#can_i_treat_dehydration_at_home