We live in a country that at times can be extremely hot and dry. The Trinidad and Tobago sun can be a sunbather's paradise, but there are days when it can also be most unforgiving to anyone involved in outdoor physical activity, and this includes playing mas. While you should not be discouraged from participating in outdoor physical activities, it is a good idea to be able to identify heat related disorders and take the necessary precautions to avoid such unpleasant occurrences.
Heat related disorders
• Heat Cramps-This can bring about painful spasms in skeletal muscle and your pupils often dilate with each spasm. If you are faced with this condition, you should apply firm pressure on the cramping muscles with warm wet towels. Most times gentle stretching of the affected area helps and the person who suffers from this affliction can rehydrate with a cold sports drink, preferably one that contains a structural balance of electrolytes.
• Heat exhaustion-A person suffering from this usually sweats profusely and they become weak and dizzy; the skin may also feel cool and wet and there may also be vomiting, nausea and headache.
It is important to move the person as soon as possible to a cooler environment, administer a sports drink and seek professional medical attention.
• Heat stroke-This could be a life and death situation and you should obtain medical help immediately, as it is a very serious condition. The victim usually experiences a sharp rise in body temperature, sweating ceases and the skin becomes hot and dry. Delirium followed by loss of consciousness is very common. While you seek professional medical help, the victim should also be moved into a cooler environment and the body temperature should be reduced with ice packs and ice cold water.
Taking precautions
If you know you are going to be exposed to the heat for an extended length of time, here are some basic guidelines:
• You should ensure that you have a fairly high level of fitness; so if you know you are very unfit make all attempts to avoid too much heat.
• Wear light coloured cloths that are loose and absorbent.
• Do not be silly and attempt to wear rubber or plastic suits.
• Hydrate properly; drink water before, during and after your activity. For every pound lost, 16 ounces of fluid must be replaced.
• Avoid oil-based sunscreen lotion.
• Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by your doctor.
Outdoor physical activity can be fun, but you must prepare your body for it properly. Keep Training.
Brian Chin Leung is a certified personal trainer