Be carefull out there, guys

[tocino]

Well i believe I had my first case of heat stroke this past Sunday. I ate brunch that day with the wife before my buddy picked me up for our 12:50 tee time at the Bridges in San Ramon, CA. It was high 80's/low 90's when we tee'd off but it was close to 100* by the time we were finished. My first mistake was I didn't really drink anything before hand and all I brought with me was a 32 ounce bottle of gatorade. I probably refilled that bottle with water at least 3 times throughout the round. My second mistake was failing to notice that I didn't have the urge to use the restroom at all even with the large amounts of liquid I was drinking. After the round, we picked up some food and my buddy dropped me off. My wife was still out with her friend so i ate and felt like taking a nap even though I usually jump in the shower right after a late afternoon round. When my wife woke me up an hour after, I had an extremely bad headache and immediately had to run to the bathroom to throw up. I spent the next couple hours fighting a headache, throwing up, and suffering from cold sweats. The wife had to yell at me to keep drinking water. She was so worried that she waited for me to snore before she let herself fall asleep (around 4:00 AM in the morning). I felt better sometime around mid-afternoon Monday but I also felt guilty as we are about a week and a half away from her due date and that would've sucked if her stressing out over taking care of me caused her to go into labor

 

Morale of the story is to start hydrating before you play especially when you know you'll be in a hot environment and keep drinking as much as you can during and after the round. I also forgot to bring a towel that I would normally drench in ice water and wear around my neck inbetween shots. Be careful out there guys

[hayzooos]

I read it before from someone else on here, but once you know you need to start drinking water, it's already too late. Like you said, if you know you're going to be in for a hot one, drink a lot of water before even heading out to the course.

[bandrz]

I overheated once during baseball practice. Exact same symptoms. Unreal headache and vomiting. I laid on the floor of our locker room for over two hours before i could get up and go home. I didn't think much of it at the time (because i was young and stupid), but looking back on it, i know that overheating your body is a serious situation. It really is something you shouldn't take for granted. Glad you recovered and thanks for the reminder!

[jimbonecrusher]

Another issue is what you are eating. Salt is important to have in your system when out in the heat. It also depends on if you are eating overly fatty foods and such. A healthy diet is just as important. There are plenty of information sites out there that will guide you towards staying safe.

[blink3665]

+1 on watching out. I haven't had heat stroke on the course. But I have experienced it twice. It knocked me on my a** REALLY hard. Horrible headaches and vomiting for a good 4 hours. I was able to pull myself up after 4 hours, but didn't feel good until halfway through the next day.

Does anyone know if Coconut water actually is a good re-hydrator? Any better than water or Gatorade? I hate the taste, but if it works...

[tocino]

[quote name='blink3665' timestamp='1404252085' post='9618821']
+1 on watching out. I haven't had heat stroke on the course. But I have experienced it twice. It knocked me on my a** REALLY hard. Horrible headaches and vomiting for a good 4 hours. I was able to pull myself up after 4 hours, but didn't feel good until halfway through the next day.

Does anyone know if Coconut water actually is a good re-hydrator? Any better than water or Gatorade? I hate the taste, but if it works...
[/quote]

It supposedly replaces electrolytes just like sports drinks... HOWEVER i do agree with you about the taste. If it's ice-cold it's fine. But once it gets warm the consistency feels like I'm drinking a cup of saliva

[blink3665]

[quote name='tocino' timestamp='1404253105' post='9618893']
[quote name='blink3665' timestamp='1404252085' post='9618821']
+1 on watching out. I haven't had heat stroke on the course. But I have experienced it twice. It knocked me on my a** REALLY hard. Horrible headaches and vomiting for a good 4 hours. I was able to pull myself up after 4 hours, but didn't feel good until halfway through the next day.

Does anyone know if Coconut water actually is a good re-hydrator? Any better than water or Gatorade? I hate the taste, but if it works...
[/quote]

It supposedly replaces electrolytes just like sports drinks... HOWEVER i do agree with you about the taste. If it's ice-cold it's fine. [b]But once it gets warm the consistency feels like I'm drinking a cup of saliva[/b]
[/quote]

Thanks... I didn't have that comparison... until now. Now if I ever drink it room temp that is the only thing I will think about. Saliva consistency with the taste of sweaty gym socks...

[putts4bogey]

Tocino, I'm glad you recovered and truly appreciate you sharing this situation and warning. Hydration is important yet often overlooked.

On a side note, I often feel sick after playing Bridges.

Congrats on the pending arrival of the new addition to the family!

[ebk]

I play ice hockey in a beer league, and I'm too old and have no business being out there. I put coconut water and a lot of ice in my water bottle to drink between shifts. It seems to help and I actually like it better than the -ade drinks. As long as it stays cold, as mentioned above.

[oldschoolrocker]

Yep it's that time of year. Finished 18 today or did it finish me. Really have to watch yourself in this heat and humidity. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate...

[596]

Just remember, as stated earlier, once you need it it's too late. Drinking too much is also bad though. If you drink too much at once it reduces the salt level in your system and you'll no longer absorb the water you are drinking, hyponitremia (sp?). The best thing to do is drink normally before a round, then SIP often during your round. Alcohol is a horrible idea in the heat.

The above comes from years of racing triathlons where I was racing for up to 13 hours. You needed to eat (up to 10,000 calories), drink AND ABSORB what you were eating and drinking over the course of the race.

[blink3665]

[quote name='596' timestamp='1404257771' post='9619329']
Just remember, as stated earlier, once you need it it's too late. Drinking too much is also bad though. If you drink too much at once it reduces the salt level in your system and you'll no longer absorb the water you are drinking, hyponitremia (sp?). The best thing to do is drink normally before a round, [b]then SIP often during your round.[/b] Alcohol is a horrible idea in the heat.

The above comes from years of racing triathlons where I was racing for up to 13 hours. You needed to eat (up to 10,000 calories), drink AND ABSORB what you were eating and drinking over the course of the race.
[/quote]

I didn't know that. Great information!

[ronstars]

[quote name='tocino' timestamp='1404234236' post='9616665']
Well i believe I had my first case of heat stroke this past Sunday. I ate brunch that day with the wife before my buddy picked me up for our 12:50 tee time at the Bridges in San Ramon, CA. It was high 80's/low 90's when we tee'd off but it was close to 100* by the time we were finished. My first mistake was I didn't really drink anything before hand and all I brought with me was a 32 ounce bottle of gatorade. I probably refilled that bottle with water at least 3 times throughout the round. My second mistake was failing to notice that I didn't have the urge to use the restroom at all even with the large amounts of liquid I was drinking. After the round, we picked up some food and my buddy dropped me off. My wife was still out with her friend so i ate and felt like taking a nap even though I usually jump in the shower right after a late afternoon round. When my wife woke me up an hour after, I had an extremely bad headache and immediately had to run to the bathroom to throw up. I spent the next couple hours fighting a headache, throwing up, and suffering from cold sweats. The wife had to yell at me to keep drinking water. She was so worried that she waited for me to snore before she let herself fall asleep (around 4:00 AM in the morning). I felt better sometime around mid-afternoon Monday but I also felt guilty as we are about a week and a half away from her due date and that would've sucked if her stressing out over taking care of me caused her to go into labor

Morale of the story is to start hydrating before you play especially when you know you'll be in a hot environment and keep drinking as much as you can during and after the round. I also forgot to bring a towel that I would normally drench in ice water and wear around my neck inbetween shots. Be careful out there guys
[/quote]

That sounds like it may be the case, but I have played the Bridges once before and I believe the shear tenacity of the course is what did you in! Hands down the most difficult course I have ever played. A bit harder than Spanish Bay and a lot harder than Pebble.

[jj9000]

Several suggestions for prevention:

1. Drink a 32 oz bottle of Pedialyte (or generic) prior to your round.
2. Buy and use a Frog Togg. If you don't know what it is/does, search around this site and other sites. You'll be glad you did.
3. If you can get your hands on some pickle juice, buy it, chill it, and drink it during your round.

[blink3665]

[quote name='jj9000' timestamp='1404259190' post='9619433']
Several suggestions for prevention:

1. Drink a 32 oz bottle of Pedialyte (or generic) prior to your round.
2. Buy and use a Frog Togg. If you don't know what it is/does, search around this site and other sites. You'll be glad you did.
[b]3. If you can get your hands on some pickle juice, buy it, chill it, and drink it during your round.[/b]
[/quote]

If I didn't know better I would say you were messing with me... Actually... I don't know any better. Why pickle juice?

[duffer987]

[quote name='ronstars' timestamp='1404258997' post='9619417']

That sounds like it may be the case, but I have played the Bridges once before and I believe the shear tenacity of the course is what did you in! Hands down the most difficult course I have ever played. A bit harder than Spanish Bay and a lot harder than Pebble.
[/quote]

Wow! Did you play it back in the day before they toned it down? Heard it was pretty nasty when it originally opened.
Played it a few times the past couple years since I moved here and from the 'blues' didn't think it was any harder to score on than other Nor Cal courses like Spyglass, Bayonet/Blackhorse, or The Ranch*

*Actually that one is just stupid, as opposed to difficult

[Medic]

There are three stages of heat related illness. Believe me, here in Florida we have to know them.

1. Heat cramps - you have thrown enough electrolytes that your muscles begin to let you know. Typically you are still able to work/play and just feel some bad cramps in the legs and abdomen. Some victims end up also feeling nauseated but this isn't typical. A little water, getting out of the heat, and cooling off will generally remedy the situation.

2. Heat exhaustion - ok, so you have completely ignored your cramps and continue to work/play in the heat without cooling and/or rehydrating. Now the symptoms will include the above plus some dizziness and weakness. Your cooling mechanisms are still working and you are still able to sweat but you generally feel really ill. These victims often require an IV in addition to removal from the heat and more aggressive cooling. And if we start an IV on you, we are taking you in. Some victims can self-treat with water and icepacks but it can take awhile before you are recovered.

3. Heat stroke - your cooling mechanisms are gone and you are no longer able to sweat. Often the victim is unresponsive and hot to the touch. In my career I have only seen two of these patients; one firefighter who was overdoing because of a HUGE apartment fire and the other was a woman in a trailer without any a/c in the summer. The FF lived and the woman did not. In both cases the patients were unresponsive. I started oxygen therapy, placed ice packs around IV bags and started two large bore infusions, placed ice on their necks, armpits, and in their groin. And they were both transported to the ER emergency response. The FF's core temp on arrival was still 104; the woman who died was 109.

Prevention is simple. Gauge things based on the color of your urine. Unless you have renal issues:

Clear to light yellow - normal. Good job, you are hydrated
Sort of a light orange - starting to become dehydrated; better do something
Dark orange - dehydrated; and now you are playing serious catch up
Dark orange and minimal amounts - DANGER!

Each and every hole you should drink about 6 to 8 ounces. If you are hydrating properly you should need to void twice per side. And it should remain clear to lightly colored.

For comfort you can also use cool towels around your neck or perhaps splash cool water onto your face and neck. But NOTHING substitutes putting fluids back in.

Gatorade? NO!!! Not straight. Too much sugar which raises the core temp. We actually break ours 50-50 with water in the fire service here in Florida. Sure, it is formulated to work straight up but our Medical Director recommended this and we haven't had anyone go down with heat issues since. And we fight a lot of fire, believe me.

Wear sunscreen.
Pre-hydrate - as someone else already stated, if you feel thirsty it is already too late
Be careful if you are on meds that already leave you dehydrated going into things. Diuretics for example.
If you feel pain in your legs or belly, GET COOLED OFF!

I don't like offering a lot of medical advice. I am NOT a doctor but I work closely with a bunch of them and have for 33 years. I have seen some really seriously ill heat patients. Each one of them could have been prevented.

Hope this helps!

[jj9000]

[quote name='blink3665' timestamp='1404259752' post='9619493']
[quote name='jj9000' timestamp='1404259190' post='9619433']
Several suggestions for prevention:

1. Drink a 32 oz bottle of Pedialyte (or generic) prior to your round.
2. Buy and use a Frog Togg. If you don't know what it is/does, search around this site and other sites. You'll be glad you did.
[b]3. If you can get your hands on some pickle juice, buy it, chill it, and drink it during your round.[/b]
[/quote]

If I didn't know better I would say you were messing with me... Actually... I don't know any better. Why pickle juice?
[/quote]

There's a good amount of research out there that suggests pickle juice being superior to traditional Gatorade/Powerade.

Here's a link from ACE Fitness (American Council for Exercise) about pickle juice:

[url="https://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/2107/drink-pickle-juice-to-avoid-a-hydration/"]https://www.acefitne...id-a-hydration/[/url]

[ZAP]

I had the heat cramps this past weekend on the course and was really worried since it was on the front nine. Drank two bottles of gatorade and two bottles of water. Still took almost 2 hours after playing till I had to pee. I can sometimes tell before the cramps because my focus and concentration goes fuzzy.

[Vito Porkleone]

I have had 2 heat incidents that resulted in temporary vision loss. This was about 13-14 years ago. After being absolutely lambasted by my doctor, he told me to start hydrating the night before, then, plenty of water before the round - especially if you're going to be in 100*+ heat index. One thing that has also helped, is to avoid morning rounds during the summer if possible. The temp may be more comfortable, but it's hard to hydrate properly first thing in the morning... Playing in the afternoon is much hotter, but my body is better prepared, and I can deal with it a lot easier. YMMV on this, but this is better for me.

Fuel is important. I usually have a sandwich or some chicken on the way to the course. On the course, I alternate between water and gatorade.

One thing I have found to keep my energy up during extremely hot rounds is to use the gatorade pre-game, or prep, or whatever its called (G1). But I actually use it around the 7th hole instead of before the round. Around 10 or 11, a cliff bar or something similar will keep me as strong on 17 & 18 as I was at the beginning. Add in wet towel for the face, and dealing with the heat is much more bearable.

[hayzooos]

[quote name='ebk' timestamp='1404256594' post='9619235']
I play ice hockey in a beer league, and I'm too old and have no business being out there. I put coconut water and a lot of ice in my water bottle to drink between shifts. It seems to help and I actually like it better than the -ade drinks. As long as it stays cold, as mentioned above.
[/quote]

Funny you mention hockey and beer league. The only time I've ever had symptoms of dehydration was after drinking too much BEFORE a hockey game, sweating like crazy as per usual, then getting up the next morning to play 18 when it was about 95* outside.

I was borderline delirious on about the 8th hole.

[quote name='blink3665' timestamp='1404259752' post='9619493']
[quote name='jj9000' timestamp='1404259190' post='9619433']
Several suggestions for prevention:

1. Drink a 32 oz bottle of Pedialyte (or generic) prior to your round.
2. Buy and use a Frog Togg. If you don't know what it is/does, search around this site and other sites. You'll be glad you did.
[b]3. If you can get your hands on some pickle juice, buy it, chill it, and drink it during your round.[/b]
[/quote]

If I didn't know better I would say you were messing with me... Actually... I don't know any better. Why pickle juice?
[/quote]

Pickle juice has a high concentration of salt in it, among many other things which I see was stated earlier in the link which helps as well. Also makes for a MEAN bloody mary addition. FACT.

[boxerjoe2011]

I worked part-time at Bridges for almost 14 years (currently taking leave) and I am also a paramedic. Part of the problem with Bridges in the summer is that they used to have water jugs on the course every few holes. Now, they only have one water jug station and water fountains at the restrooms. The fountains just don't produce cold water to drink and the cart lady can take a while to get to you. In essence, it's up to you to bring your hydration with you on those really hot days. Hydrating doesn't start an hour before you take on the heat either. It should begin the NIGHT BEFORE at the very least. Did you drink coffee during brunch? One cup of coffee essentially cancels out two glasses of water. A couple have mentioned electrolytes as well. It's good you brought some gatorade, but it obviously wasn't enough. Your heart works on sodium and potassium to pump properly and if you get low on those two electrolytes, it can cause fatal arrhythmias. I have gone on calls while working on the ambulance where people literally had no idea where they were because of the thermal shock and dehydration they put on their body. Only when we cracked ice packs and placed them on head, neck, arm pits, and groin did they snap out of it. I'm sure you learned your lesson. Be safe out there.

[jsanatx]

[quote name='jj9000' timestamp='1404259190' post='9619433']
Several suggestions for prevention:

1. Drink a 32 oz bottle of Pedialyte (or generic) prior to your round.
2. Buy and use a Frog Togg. If you don't know what it is/does, search around this site and other sites. You'll be glad you did.
3. If you can get your hands on some pickle juice, buy it, chill it, and drink it during your round.
[/quote]

Pickle juice, just ask Buddy Ryan for a long time ago while playing the Cowboys in Dallas, lol

Take it from us Texas boys (hey jj), hydration is key. Some of us play in 90-100+ degree weather during the summer. Hydrate well before playing, not just the day before.

[someon3]

[quote name='tocino' timestamp='1404234236' post='9616665']
Well i believe I had my first case of heat stroke this past Sunday. I ate brunch that day with the wife before my buddy picked me up for our 12:50 tee time at the Bridges in San Ramon, CA. It was high 80's/low 90's when we tee'd off but it was close to 100* by the time we were finished. My first mistake was I didn't really drink anything before hand and all I brought with me was a 32 ounce bottle of gatorade. I probably refilled that bottle with water at least 3 times throughout the round. My second mistake was failing to notice that I didn't have the urge to use the restroom at all even with the large amounts of liquid I was drinking. After the round, we picked up some food and my buddy dropped me off. My wife was still out with her friend so i ate and felt like taking a nap even though I usually jump in the shower right after a late afternoon round. When my wife woke me up an hour after, I had an extremely bad headache and immediately had to run to the bathroom to throw up. I spent the next couple hours fighting a headache, throwing up, and suffering from cold sweats. The wife had to yell at me to keep drinking water. She was so worried that she waited for me to snore before she let herself fall asleep (around 4:00 AM in the morning). I felt better sometime around mid-afternoon Monday but I also felt guilty as we are about a week and a half away from her due date and that would've sucked if her stressing out over taking care of me caused her to go into labor

Morale of the story is to start hydrating before you play especially when you know you'll be in a hot environment and keep drinking as much as you can during and after the round. I also forgot to bring a towel that I would normally drench in ice water and wear around my neck inbetween shots. Be careful out there guys
[/quote]
Man you're not kidding I hit balls on Sunday out at Buchannon in Concord. Had to change my clothes/shower and lay down for an hour when I got back. I think it hit 104* out of nowhere..

FYI Bridges can have the exact same effects as you've described just by playing it

[hayzooos]

[quote name='boxerjoe2011' timestamp='1404311828' post='9622903']
I worked part-time at Bridges for almost 14 years (currently taking leave) and I am also a paramedic. Part of the problem with Bridges in the summer is that they used to have water jugs on the course every few holes. Now, they only have one water jug station and water fountains at the restrooms. The fountains just don't produce cold water to drink and the cart lady can take a while to get to you. In essence, it's up to you to bring your hydration with you on those really hot days. Hydrating doesn't start an hour before you take on the heat either. It should begin the NIGHT BEFORE at the very least. Did you drink coffee during brunch? One cup of coffee essentially cancels out two glasses of water. A couple have mentioned electrolytes as well. It's good you brought some gatorade, but it obviously wasn't enough. Your heart works on sodium and potassium to pump properly and if you get low on those two electrolytes, it can cause fatal arrhythmias. I have gone on calls while working on the ambulance where people literally had no idea where they were because of the thermal shock and dehydration they put on their body. Only when we cracked ice packs and placed them on head, neck, arm pits, [size=5][i][b]and groin[/b][/i][/size] did they snap out of it. I'm sure you learned your lesson. Be safe out there.
[/quote]

Ice pack? Groin? Yeesh, no wonder they snapped out of it, I would too!

[farlo001]

Glad you're ok. Down in the south the humidity coupled with the heat can really get to you. Anyone think the nuun tablets or the like work well?

[mwkbmw]

[quote name='farlo001' timestamp='1404328508' post='9624903']
Glad you're ok. Down in the south the humidity coupled with the heat can really get to you. Anyone think the nuun tablets or the like work well?
[/quote]

I use them often. Sugar-free and they don't taste bad. Not great, but not bad. I walk the course 98% of the time, even in the summer (90 - 95 + humid) here in NC. Never had a problem.

[Callaway_Golf_Freak]

Golfing in FLA in the Summer time is Serious Business if your not prepared for it. Drink lot's of Water Beer is not a substitute for Water you will want to wear loose fitting clothes made with Dri-Fit material if possible stay in the shade as much possible if your cart has a fold down window keep it down to get a breeze while driving. If your feeling Faint STOP and REST in the Shade let the group behind you play through keeping up pace of play is not worth you Life..........Take Care Everyone, Mike......" Go Play "

[Arizonalefty59]

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1029947-just-a-reminder-to-every-summer-golfer/page__p__9458681__hl__+summer%20+golfer#entry9458681

[Medic]

[quote name='boxerjoe2011' timestamp='1404311828' post='9622903']
I worked part-time at Bridges for almost 14 years (currently taking leave) and I am also a paramedic. Part of the problem with Bridges in the summer is that they used to have water jugs on the course every few holes. Now, they only have one water jug station and water fountains at the restrooms. The fountains just don't produce cold water to drink and the cart lady can take a while to get to you. In essence, it's up to you to bring your hydration with you on those really hot days. Hydrating doesn't start an hour before you take on the heat either. It should begin the NIGHT BEFORE at the very least. Did you drink coffee during brunch? One cup of coffee essentially cancels out two glasses of water. A couple have mentioned electrolytes as well. It's good you brought some gatorade, but it obviously wasn't enough. Your heart works on sodium and potassium to pump properly and if you get low on those two electrolytes, it can cause fatal arrhythmias. I have gone on calls while working on the ambulance where people literally had no idea where they were because of the thermal shock and dehydration they put on their body. Only when we cracked ice packs and placed them on head, neck, arm pits, and groin did they snap out of it. I'm sure you learned your lesson. Be safe out there.
[/quote]

Great post!

Another enemy during the hotter months are the so-called energy drinks. AVOID them fellas.
And (sadly) I also have to mention beer. Sure, it tastes awesome but the alcohol causes dehydration. Wait until after the round and only after you have consumed plenty of the better liquids.

A final "trick" we use is to wrap cool wraps around the wrist. We do this during rehab of our FF and it works wonders. The arteries in the wrist make for an easy access to the circ system and some external quick cooling.