Dehydration and Motorsport

[Annatastic]

Pretty good article on the CAMS website, worth a read.

http://www.cams.com.au/downloads/com...ot_Weather.pdf

[smee]

Originally Posted by Annatastic

Pretty good article on the CAMS website, worth a read.

http://www.cams.com.au/downloads/com...ot_Weather.pdf

Hasn't Julie posted at the past few events, the colour your urine should be.
A couple of topics have focuse on this issue. A search of the archives and a link should be in order....

[michael taylor]

I drink lots of fluids anyway, so i've never really noticed the effects during a rally

but it must be there. don't think i've ever woken up on a monday after a rally without feeling really dehydrated.

[Spac]

Maybe the post event drinky poohs have had something to do with that?

[michael taylor]

Subtlety's just not your go, is it, Spac?

[Corty]

Michael,

The secret is Ice Blocks the morning after. A wise man put us on these and there not a cure but do make the trip home somewhat bareable.


Matt

[AussieNav]

It's been 38 degrees the last three days in Beijing so will be giving this a quick read through.

Thanks for sharing.

[Glen]

Originally Posted by AussieNav

It's been 38 degrees the last three days in Beijing so will be giving this a quick read through.

Thanks for sharing.

D'Oh.....guess I won't be needing a jacket then.

[TX3 Rally]

Originally Posted by Corty

Michael,

The secret is Ice Blocks the morning after. A wise man put us on these and there not a cure but do make the trip home somewhat bareable.


Matt

Scuba diving instructors use 100% oxygen for about 20 minutes before starting work - allows the internal fog to lift and you begin to get your head a little focused on what you are supposed to be doing after the late night that you staggered straight to work from. Maybe we didn't stagger too straight though either. Liver damage should be mentioned during instructor training as possible (probable) health problems that can occur in that career - it's probably right up there with DCI and bone necrosis.

[Livewireshock]

I have a great deal of experience dealing with heat illness with the Army who take this issue very seriously indeed. I have had a soldier clinically die but thankfully revived due to appropriate quick thinking & training.

The catch cry for the Army is simple, "PISS CLEARLY TWICE A DAY!"

The translates into that if you have drunk enough, you should naturally wish to urinate at least twice for the day & that it is a colourless stream. Any hint of colour is a clear indicator of dehydration. From pale yellow to almost black & stinking for heat stroke victims.

While the prevention is relatively easy, there is also a flip side to constanly drinking. Over hydration can be just as dangerous. Too much fluid can cause lethargy, nausea, headache, cramp & an equal loss of concentration. Not good to have in a race car.

In addition to this, never ever pour water over your head when you are active. The cooling effect from the water is short lived but then the body heats the water and becomes a thermal barrier. It stops the natural evaporation of sweat & release of heat through the hair. It will accelerate the symptoms of heat stroke. Plus it is often a waste of water better drunk. Better to use the water in a fine mist if possible that is then able to evaporate quickly off the skin.

It is a fine balancing game, not easy to judge. Experience is the key. Unfortunately that experience is often gained from things going wrong.

[michael taylor]

smell, huh?

what if someone is actually properly hydrated, but has been eating asparagus?

[Livewireshock]

Originally Posted by michael taylor

smell, huh?

what if someone is actually properly hydrated, but has been eating asparagus?

Believe, nothing can match the smell when you are severely dehydrated.

That said, I personally can't stand asparagus.