Stay safe in the heat

True Alabama summer weather is now in our midst and for safety’s sake, everyone should be aware of body signs that could very well save your life or that of a loved one.

n Drink plenty of water; however, do not wash all of the electrolytes out from your system. A product that is easily accessible is called “Liquid IV.” It comes in small packages in a variety of flavors that you can add to bottled water –my favorite is lemon-lime. Think about drinking a bottle of Liquid IV or some other electrolyte supplement for every two or three bottles of water you drink on the course.

n Seek out the dark areas. Whether you are riding or walking on the golf course, get in the shade as often as possible. You may even choose to use your umbrella to block direct sunlight. Umbrellas with a silver sheen to them can actually decrease the heat index by as much as 10 percent.

LOVE of the GAME

BY DAVE JENNINGS

Just a couple years ago, I was playing in a golf tournament in early July. It was excessively hot. As much as I hated to, after playing nine holes, I was forced to withdraw from the event due to the heat. It’s no secret: I am not a spring chicken and haven’t been for a long time, but I was getting dizzy and nauseated. My shirt and shorts were soaked all the way through, including my cap. Sometimes you just have to make an early exit. I am glad I did withdraw because I was able to recover from the heat exhaustion symptoms before suffering a heat stroke.

n Though it should go without saying, I’ll say it: Wear sunscreen and sunblock. Just do it.

n Think about purchasing and wearing microfiber sleeves. They are inexpensive and easy to clean. If you dampen them a little, they also help to keep your arms a bit cooler.

n Wear a wide-brimmed hat that gives your head, ears and neck coverage from direct sunlight.

n Wear light-colored shirts and shorts. Lighter colors repel the sun’s rays while darker colors absorb the sun’s rays.

n In Alabama if you are playing golf in the summertime, you are indeed going to sweat. Be certain that you have plenty of golf gloves. Remove your glove after each shot, so that you do not sweat through the glove as quickly. Before your glove becomes soaked with sweat and begins to wear out quickly –exchange gloves often during a round of summer golf. Purchasing a few pair may cost you at first, but it will save you money in the long haul if you have a few to rotate in and out during your round.

n Some folks may not want to hear this, but I’m going to say it anyway. This is not the time to be heavily consuming beer and alcohol. These beverages will dehydrate you. It would also be a good idea to cut back on your coffee intake on golfing days during the summer months for the same reason. Caffeine does the same thing in dehydrating the body. Wait until you get back to the clubhouse and are cajoling about your round to partake of these drinks.

n Be aware of what your body is telling you. If you begin to feel light headed, dizzy or weak, stop and cool off. You could be suffering from heat exhaustion. If you feel dizzy, confused or pass out, you could be suffering from a heat stroke. Hopefully, someone with you will quickly call 911.

n Know the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Knowing what to look for and what to do could save the life of a playing partner/opponent or a loved one.

Even with extremely high temperatures, you can stay active during summer months, but be smart, get educated on how best to offset the issues of excessive heat and sun. You may want to play a little earlier in the day or limit your round to nine holes. Just be smart. It’s not always easy living in the Deep South, but it beats the daylights out of living someplace where shoveling snow is a daily requirement.

Be safe and play well.

Dave Jennings is the owner of Jennings Golfhelp LLC. Email him at djenn47495@ gmail.com or visit Jenningsgolfhelp.com.