[MR] The Water Consumption Dilemma

[Taylor, Carole A.]

As a long-time resident (and Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician)
of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and other WARM climates, I'd like to weigh
in on the water, salt, and quick-cooling issues.

First, the quick-cooling method of applying ice to overheated persons is
an emergency measure used only in extreme circumstances. This is for
patients who present cherry red, have stopped sweating, have diminished
awareness, or other serious medical conditions (like diabetes). Anyone
who has stopped sweating on a hot day when they are exerting themselves
in heavy clothing or armor is in TROUBLE. For anyone else, cool water at
pulse points and to drink, shade, removal of heavy clothing/armor and
time to rest should do the trick.

Planning for a day in the sun is always a good idea. Increasing intake
of salt, water, carbohydrates, potassium, etc. the day before makes good
sense. Drinking large quantities of water or Gatorade immediately before
strenuous exertion is NOT a good idea (unless you *like* throwing up).
:)  Taking moderate quantities of water and Gatorade throughout the day
is sensible and very unlikely to lead to problems.

While I found the original article on marathon runners and hyponatremia
to be interesting, I would like to point out that SCA fighting is not
really comparable to running a marathon. First, the muscle/fat ratio of
a competing marathon runner is not a normal ratio. Most non-professional
athletes do not have such a low body fat content, nor do most
non-runners "hit the wall" or pass through it to continue exerting
themselves. (Note: "the wall" is not to be confused with getting your
second wind after initial exertion.)

SCA fighters, particular heavy fighters, run a strong parallel to
firefighters in that they wear (hot) heavy protective clothing, and
their exertions tend to be very strenuous but of short duration (less
than one hour without a break). The body's resources are generally
sufficient to compensate for this type of activity, and replenishing
those resources with water, sports drinks and salt throughout the day is
important in maintaining those resources. Active duty firefighters
regularly follow this regimen.

SCA fighters (and spectators, visitors, support personnel) have had far
more incidents of dehydration and its associated risks than
hyponatremia. While at their extremes, both conditions can be fatal,
knowing when to stop, getting into shade, and restoring electrolyte
balance through consumption of fluids, salt and potassium are sensible
preventive actions. I would not wish this conversation thread to be a
basis for event participants to drink insufficient hydrating fluids and
run into trouble.

YIS,
Ekaterina ha Varanga