HOT WEATHER PRECAUTIONS FOR ATHLETES

BE CAREFUL IN JULY

In North Carolina, we are generally excited when Spring appears, whether it be in late February or sometime in May. Tennis players and golfers are especially anxious to go outside and enjoy cool, crisp weather as we work on our skills.

But July and August may often be as challenging as wintry weather. I can personally recall playing in a tennis tournament in Greensboro in 100 degree weather. It was a 3 set match that went on for more than 2 hours. I had done some hydration, but not enough to prevent heat cramps. More water, bananas and shade helped out. I was in my 50s.

Male pro tennis players usually play matches of best of 5 sets , which often go to the full 5 sets. The women play best of 3. From the standpoint of a fan, I prefer best of 3. Men may play for 5 hours with minimal breaks. Watching a tennis match for 5 hours can be challenging, if not boring.

This post will address the heat issues that athletes must face when we are outside in hot weather. I will finish with information on affiliate marketing and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

THE PRECAUTIONS

Outdoor athletes must face unique challenges during the hot summer months. Heat, sun exposure and dehydration present real risks to performance and health. To stay safe and perform at their best, athletes must focus on hydration, clothing. rest and environmental awareness.

Hydration is paramount. The body loses fluids rapidly through sweat during exercise in the heat. This can elevate heart rate, impair performance and increase the risk of heat illnesses. Athletes should drink water consistently throughout the day, not just during workouts or sports participation. During longer or more intense sessions, electrolyte drinks give us sodium, potassium and magnesium to help to replace minerals lost in sweat. Coconut water and sports drinks can be useful, but high sugar options should be avoided or diluted. It helps to weigh ourselves before and after activity to monitor fluid loss and determine how much needs to be replaced.

Clothing choices also play a crucial role. Athletes should wear lightweight, loose-fitting and moisture-wicking fabrics to allow for ventilation and evaporative cooling. Light colored clothing reflects sunlight and helps reduce heat absorption. Hats, visors and UV-blocking sunglasses can also provide important protection from the sun. Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to prevent burns, which can impair the body’s ability to cool itself.

On another personal note, in my decades of tennis and outdoor activity, I may not have been sufficiently careful with skin protection. I now have several facial skin issues, though MOHS skin surgeons can repair the damage. I recommend them highly.

Rest and recovery are especially important in the heat. Breaks should be frequent and taken in shaded or cool areas to allow body temperature to normalize. Heavy activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day – typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Temperatures are lower in the early morning or evening.

Athletes must be aware of the signs of heat ilnesses. These include:

• Heat cramps, which are painful muscle spasms, from fluid and electrolyte loss
• Heat exhaustion,marked by heavy sweating, dizziness and nausea
• Heat stroke, a life threatening condition, characterized by confusion, rapid pulse, lack of sweating and a body temperature of over 104 degrees F. Immediate cooling and emergency medical care are essential in the case of heat stroke.

Environmental factors, such as humidity, direct sun exposure and poor air quality can worsen heat stress. Checking weather conditions and the heat index before activity is a smart precaution.

AFFILIATE MARKETING

This is a marketing model in which third – party publishers promote a merchant’s goods or services and receive a percentage of the sales or web traffic generated as a result. It is considered a key part of modern digital marketing. Affiliate marketing appeals to businesses because it enables them to meet their marketing goals at a low cost. It benefits affiliates by allowing them to earn by promoting products that they use and enjoy.

Take a look at my upper menu and see – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER – for information on this business oportunity. Also, the diagram below will show a simplified version of affiliate marketing.

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS (DSG)

I have been a customer of Dick’s Sporting Goods for several decades. It’s my favorite store and the best source for sports equipment – tennis racquets, golf clubs, workout equipment and accessories – that I have found. DSG is unmatched in product quality and service. They also contribute heavily to underfunded youth sports programs across the United States. See my recent post on DSG.

I have found that shopping ONLINE is a great way to keep up with the new arrivals and special discounts available at DSG.

I am now an associate, or affiliate, of DSG. This is convenient since I appreciate the company.

Here are some of the “specials” currently available at Dick’s Sporting Goods:

Up to 50% off select clothing and shoes – by Nike, adidas, Under Armour and others

Up to 50% off outdoor esentials – kayaks, mountain bikes, Blackstone grills, canopies and more

Up to 40% off select team sports equipment and cleats

Up to 50% off select Fan Shop gear – support your facvorite pro or NCAA teams

Up to 45% off select fitness equipment and gear

Up to 50% off select DSG clothing for the family

Up to 40% off select kayaks

$29.99 sale for Franklin Jet pickleball set

20% off women’s NikeTempo shorts

Up to 50% off select bikes – Nishiki, Mongoose and others

2 for $70 select Maxfli Tour series golf balls

$100 off Ethos power rack

See my link for Dick’s Sporting Goods at the side of this page. Then:

• Click on the red link
• You will see the question “What are you looking for?”
• Proceed from there, based on your needs
• Look for special discounts

FINAL THOUGHTS

Remember – summer activities require respect for the heat. Proper hydration, smart clothing choices, planned rest and awareness of warning signs are vital tools for outdoor athletes. With proper preparation, we can stay safe, healthy and competitive in even the hottest conditions.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has the best clothing choices to keep us cool, as well as lots of electrolytes in drink or powder form.

Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.

Let’s stay safe!