STAY HEALTHY!
I clearly remember the excitement of Spring weather in March or April. It was time to play tennis as much as possible. Indoor tennis may not have been much of a factor during the winter. It was difficult to maintain our strokes or our rhythm with sporadic play. But, in cool but sunny weather, tennis fanatics would “come out of the woodwork”. Tournaments were upcoming and we wanted to be ready. We were bursting with energy.
Summer weather, beginning around the end of May, was quite different. Hot weather was upon us, at least in North Carolina. High heat and humidity were forthcoming. Excessive heat would lead to an increase in heart rate and core temperature. The humidity would make us sweat more as we tried to cool down. Performance became challenged.
Tennis is only an activity from my personal experience. Summer heat and humidity were issues when we ran, walked, played golf, played baseball or softball, worked on our lawns or otherwise were active outdoors.
Orthopedic Associates gives us a few tips on staying healthy while being active outdoors:
- Warm up and cool down. We need to warm up slowly to prepare our muscles and joints for activity. After playing (or working), we should cool down to help our bodies recover and to prevent stiffness.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after activity to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
- Use proper gear. We need the right equipment for our activity, i.e, supportive footwear, protective gear and sport-specific items. This will help prevent injuries and enhance performance.
- Listen to your body. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. Pushing through pain can lead to serious injuries. Forget about “no pain, no gain”. If something doesn’t feel right, take a break.
- Practice good technique. Proper technique in a sport will usually prevent overuse injuries and improve our overall game.
BE ACTIVELY SAFE
The American Heart Association recommends that we get out in warmer weather. We can enjoy our families as we walk, swim, bike, skate, jump rope or organize a neighborhood soccer game. We may walk our dogs, push a stroller or do gardening.
Of course, hydration is highly recommended, as is the timing. It’s usually hottest between 12 noon and 3pm. Conferring with health professionals and having a workout partner are emphasized.
The American Heart Association tells us to be alert to signs of dehydration. Even slight dehydration may put us at risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Signs of mild dehydration are:
- Thirst
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Dry, cool skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Not urinating
Signs of severe dehydraton are:
- Dry, shriveled skin
- Irritability or confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Breathing rapidly
- Fatigue or listlessness
- Unconsciousness
Heat cramps include:
- Muscle cramps and pain, often in the legs or abdomen
- Very heavy sweating, fatigue and thirst
Here are symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- Headache
- Dizziness of lightheadiness
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
If we experience any of the above signs of dehydration, heat cramps or heat exhaustion, we need to:
- Stop exercising immediately
- Sip water or suck on ice cubes
- Move to the shade or indoors as soon as possible
- Douse ourselves with cold water
- Apply cold, wet cloths to the neck, armpits and groin
- Seek medical attention if the condition doesn’t improve or gets worse
Bananas are also helpful in aiding adults with dehydration. I remember a tennis match during a tournament in 100 degree weather. The 3 set match went on for over two hours. At the end, my fingers and toes were twitching convulsively. I had hydrated during the match, but not sufficiently. As soon as I ate a couple of bananas, I felt better. I had obviously lost a lot of potassium.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
This is the Online business that you see within this article. Affiliate marketing is an arrangement by which an Online retailer pays commissions to an external website for traffic or sales generated from its referrals.
See in my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER – for information on this business oportunity.
Also, the diagram below will provide a simplifed explanation of this process.
My most recent article was about Memorial Day and featured Amazon as the relevant association.
Here is that post. The Amazon Memorial Day specials are still going on.
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
Today, I am featuring Dick’s Sporting Goods as my association. This company has been my favorite sports store for several decades. I keep a permanent link to DSG at the side of my website. It is updated to the most recent equipment arrivals, sales specials and general information.
I have found that shopping at Dick’s Sporting Goods Online has kept me better informed on their inventory and sales specials. My purchases have included tennis racquets, clothing and accessories, golf clubs, bags, shoes and accessories, fitness equipment/clothing, as well as sportswear. This is where pro athletes, amateurs and beginners shop, as do those who are shopping for gifts for others.
Here are some specials now available at DSG:
$20 off purchase of $100, valid only today and tomorrow
Under $100 for Nike footwear and apparel
Up to 70% off Calia, VRST, DSG and Alpine design clothing
Up to $200 off select Blackstone Griddles
Up to $120 off complete golf sets from Cobra, Top Flite and others
Up to $359 off select Goalrilla in-ground basketball hoops
Up to 30% off select sandals
40% off select women’s DSG Momentum Bottoms
BOGO 50% off VRST resort collection – tops, shorts and pants to mix and match
Up to $150 off select Quest kayaks
Up to 30% off select golf balls
Up to 40% off select shoes – Nike, HOKA, adidas
Up to 40% off select bikes – by Nishiki, Mongoose and others
Up to $360 off select golf clubs – Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade and others
Up to $100 off select pro baseball and softball gloves – Wilson, Mizuno, Rawlings and others
Reach the DSG website by:
- Clicking on the red Dick’s Sporting Goods link at the side of this page
- You will see the words “What are you looking for?”
- Proceed from there
- Look for specials
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let’s enjoy being outdoors, but with care for our fitness and general health. Some of us may be athletes or former athletes, while others may be looking for family fun. It’s wise to carefully apply suncreen and to wear a hat. Also, light clothing helps.
Proper equipment is important – shoes and sports items. Dick’s Sporting Goods is the best choice, in my opinion.
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.
Enjoy the outdoors!
