A few years ago I could run a 4 minute  mile, split my fire wood with my “bear” hands and leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Okay maybe I did exaggerate a little.

But I can still leap over tall buildings;  I just have to get a running start.

Most Americans don’t know what physical exertion in the elements of weather is these days.  Comparatively few push themselves to be all they can be in any arena.  Because of that, for most this article will be of no interest.

For the rest of us, who understand the necessity of staying fit in spirit, soul and body, for those who see the benefits of pushing themselves to know their capabilities and then improve them where possible, this article is for you.

For those who meet the description of the paragraph above you are probably already aware of the information in this article but still, this is something we should all be reminded of every year, just like we should remind ourselves about hypothermia in the fall / winter.

And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
Ex 16:21

And so as the summer season heats up let’s review some hot idea’s for summer time activities.

Drink Plenty of Fluids:  Pure water is best.  Drink small amounts often – very often.  At LEAST every time you think about it and it should be much more.  If you wait until you are thirsty; you have waited too long.  If you are on medication that affects your water intake or elimination then consult your doctor regarding how much water should drink, etc.

Replace salt & minerals. Remember that heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body.  Heavy perspiring combined with a high water intake can flush needed salts and minerals from your body that need to be replaced, in order to avoid problems, so take measures to do so often.

Wear appropriate clothing & sunscreen.  One thing that I am going to investigate some day is the art of dressing for the heat.  I was always taught to wear light-colored clothing for reflective purposes.  That makes sense to me but should you wear long sleeves or short sleeves;  long pants, short pants or a dress (for the females of course)?

I’ll bet Moses didn’t use any sun screen and I doubt he wore white.  So how did he stay cool and keep from getting burned for all those years out in the desert?  Those people wear those clothes for a reason.  I think we have something to learn from them in that regard.

But until you have that mastered,  cover up and or utilize a good quality sun screen.  Not only are sun burns painful, they are also very bad for your health.  Be sure to protect your eyes with good quality eye protection that blocks the UV rays as well.  Just because glasses stop the glare doesn’t mean that they are protecting your eyes.

Use a buddy system.   Monitor the condition of friends and co-workers and have someone do the same for you.

Monitor those at high risk.  Infants and children should be taught the hazards of heat.  Those who are elderly, overweight and in less than good health should particularly know their limitations and stay within them.

Know the symptoms of heat disorders and sun overexposure, and be ready to give first-aid.

Warning Signs of Heat stroke:
High body temperature (above 103F, orally)
Red, hot dry skin (not sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps and tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

Place victim in a shady area; cool with cool water, etc. and seek medical attention immediately.

Challenging situations don’t always occur on 68 degree, overcast and dry days.  Learn how to function out-of-doors in the real world so that you can be a blessing, rather than a liability, to others.

I’ll see you out in the field,
Paarson Rayphe