All winter long I looked forward to the cold and snow to go away and the warmth of summer to arrive.
Finally with the summer weather, we can strip those winter clothing layers and change our outdoor gear for the more pleasant climate.
Summer brings opportunities to get out and live those adventures we dreamed of while watching the snow fall.
My initial challenge is always getting ready for the hot weather and increasing my activity level for the summer time conditions.
Your physical challenge is likely to be as difficult as mine if you waited to gradually work into your desired summer time activity level.
I live in the mountains so daytime and nighttime temperatures still can vary as much as 30 or more degrees.
Working towards an activity level to safely function in the summer heat can be a challenge but necessary.
During the winter cold you acclimated so your need to do the same for the summer heat.
Do your activities early in the morning or late in the evening when it is coolest.
You will need to acclimate to the heat so take it slow.
Limit or minimize your outdoor physical activities till you are ready.
Your physical capability is contingent upon your ability to adapt to the environment.
The body can survive only at a narrow range of core temperatures.
Any temperature outside this range can be unhealthy or deadly.
During these hot times, you may decide to minimize or limit your outdoor activities till you are ready for prolonged physical activity during the summer heat.
I recently came down from my mountain home to visit family in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The heat of 109 degrees hit me like a hot oven furnace.
This kind of heat can sap the life from you in a short period of time if you are not ready.
In this type of extreme environment I could never drink enough water during physical exertion.
Rest, hydrate, snack, and hydrate some more.
Most of us are mildly dehydrated before we begin any outdoor activity.
I love coffee so I make an effort to balance or eliminate my caffeine intake.
You should too! Being thirstly is a sign you need to drink but it is also a late sign.
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more, rest and recover before starting out again.
Allow yourself adequate time to recover! What goes in must come out so watch your urine color.
Dark is bad, clear is good! Wear bright, breathable fabrics that are loose fitting.
Wear hats to protect your head and neck from the heat.
Sun glasses for your eyes are a must.
Don't forget the sunscreen! 10 a.
m.
to 4 p.
m.
the sun's UV rays are the strongest.
Whenever possible, try to avoid sun exposure during these times.
Look for indoor locations during the heat of the day; i.
e.
air-conditioned places to do fun activities such as in fitness centers, community centers, or even shopping malls to keep your physical training level up.
Visit the local swimming to cool down and train.
Enjoying the outdoors in the summer is what we all love to do.
A trip to your favorite trail, touring the vast beauty of this county is what its all about.
"Be prepared" is a long time motto of the Boy Scouts that we should live by.
As part of this preparedness you should be able to recognize in general heat related injuries.
Heat related injuries should be considered a medical emergency! Don't wait to see if it goes away.
Many die needlessly because know one recognized the severity or took the appropriate action for heat related emergencies.
In general heat related injuries could present and include nausea, flushed skin, cramping, headache, mental confusion, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness or exhaustion, seizures, sunburn, and absence of sweating.
I recommend all outdoors enthusiast take a first aid course as part of your outdoors adventure preparedness.