Heatstroke: a danger to golfers

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Heatstroke: a danger to golfers

  • In the event that a golfer is in the sun for a long time and begins to show signs of heat-related illness, such as cramps, excessive sweating, pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, there must be a correct way to deal with it. However, if left untreated and continued to play golf, it may lead to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
  • Drinks for golfers when playing a round should be plain water or sports drinks. Alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as tea or coffee, should be avoided because they will stimulate the body to excrete more fluids, especially through urine.

In our country’s summer, temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, which is a major obstacle and risk for athletes and sports enthusiasts, especially for ยูฟ่าเบท https://ufabet999.app outdoor sports. Golf is a sport that requires players to be in the heat for more than 4-5 hours. If there is no preparation and proper handling, it will affect the ability to play the sport and may be serious, even dangerous to health, to the point of death.

Reasons why golfers are at risk of heatstroke

This is because humans can work effectively only when their body temperature is within a certain range. Normally, our body temperature is between 36.1-37.2 degrees Celsius and can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius during strenuous physical activity. 

And even though the human body has a natural system for maintaining temperature by secreting sweat, but because the water level in our body is limited. When we sweat a lot and become dehydrated, the body will not be able to cope with very hot weather

How to prevent heatstroke for golfers who spend long periods in the sun

For golfers who play in hot weather for long periods of time, it is necessary to prepare and deal with the scorching heat properly, starting with getting enough rest. Because sleep deprivation will cause the body to be dehydrate from the start. Then, before playing golf, you should drink water regularly to maintain the body’s water level. You should divide it into appropriate times according to the recommendations for drinking water for each person each day, which is approximately 35 milliliters per 1 kilogram of body weight.

Examples of water drinking by golfers

For example, a golfer weighing 70 kilograms should drink approximately 70 x 35 = 2,450 milliliters of water, or about 2 and a half liters. This should be divided up and drunk throughout the day. In the case of playing in the afternoon, water should gradually drunk in the morning to obtain half of the recommended amount.

Drinks for golfers when they go out on a round

1. Plain water

Very important is maintaining water levels in the body, which will help control body temperature while playing a round of golf. The amount of additional water that should be drunk while playing golf in normal weather conditions will about 2/3 of the amount. That should drunk each day. From the example above, a golfer who weighs 70 kilograms should drink water throughout the entire round of golf at about 2.45 x 2/3 = 1.63 liters. Which should gradually divided up and drunk throughout the game on every hole.

2. Mineral drinks

However, for extremely hot weather conditions where the body loses more sweat than usual, you can drink 20-30% more than that amount, or about another 500 ml. If you can drink the extra 500 ml in the form of a sports drink, it would be even better because when the body loses sweat, it is not only losing water, but also losing the minerals in the sweat at the same time.

3. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or beverages containing caffeine, such as tea or coffee.

It is not recommend to drink alcoholic beverages, tea, or coffee. They will stimulate the body to excrete more fluids, especially through urine. The amount of water you need to drink will have adjuste from the above calculation formula.

In addition, golfers should also seek shelter in the shade, carry an umbrella, and wear clothing that can dissipate heat well and is not too tight.

Symptoms that should not overlook when golfers have to stay in the sun for long periods of time

If a golfer begins to show signs of heat-related illness, such as:

  • Cramps
  • Excessive sweating
  • Pain, dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Exhausted and weak