How To Be and Stay Cool at NARAM-48

July and August in the Phoenix area is HOT and HUMID! Days will be well over 100 degrees with nights around 80 degrees. The Humidity can get up to 30 % or more. This is the monsoon season and thunderstorm, rain and dust can suddenly hit the Phoenix area with little warning. 

Climate Info:

Needless to say, Arizona in August is just plain hot. Below are the typical temperatures for August 1 in Goodyear, AZ.

The events were chosen to minimize time on the flying field, due to Arizona’s high daytime temperatures. Because Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time, the sun rises earlier than most other places around the country. To avoid exposure to the grueling heat, the contest range is planned to open at 6:30 AM, and close at 11:30 AM each day. This schedule should help avoid heat-related injuries.

Heat related illness is always a possibility for NARAM attendees and you need to know what to do to prevent it.  We want you to enjoy NARAM-48 and here are some hints and warnings about heat.  Here are some guidelines to help prepare you.

1. Listen to the local weather reports, they will tell you the expected highs for the day, the humidity, and a heat index.  Prepare for the day before you get to the field.

2. Remember your limits – if you are on medication, check with your physician for recommendations.  If you are out of shape, take it easy. If you are in shape, take it easy too!

3. Drink plenty of fluids – thirst is a sign that you are already dehydrated.  The best way to monitor your fluid intake is to monitor your fluid going out, urine.  Your urine should be pale yellow and you should urinate frequently throughout the day.  At NARAM-48, we will gladly have the Porta-Potties emptied as often as need be.  Drink more during heavy exercise – like chasing rockets over through the desert.  Drinking 16-32 ounces of fluids an hour may be necessary.

4. What to drink – water is often the best for most of your fluid intake. Cool, not too cold, water should be your primary fluid throughout the day.

5. Add some minerals – sports drinks, like Gatorade and powerade, can help maintain you salt and mineral levels.  However, you don’t need a steady intake of these.  Switch on and off with the sports drinks.  They also have lots of sugar, so watch that waistline.

6. Don’t drink – caffeine, alcohol, or drinks with large amounts of sugar.  A steady dose of soft drinks can actually make things worse.

7. Wear appropriate clothes – cool, lightweight clothes, loose fitting, and clothes that breathe.  Protect from sunburn.  Wear a hat.

8. Use sunscreen!

9. Pace yourself – rest often in the shade, if you start to get out of breath or your heart pounds, STOP and rest. Take a drink and let your body cool down.

10. Use a buddy system – do not go out alone, ask or make a friend to monitor your activities.  Lots of us will lose rockets to the fields, get your mark and then get some help.

Those at high risk for heat problems:

• Infants and small children (less than 4 years old)
• People over 65 years
• People overweight
• People who overexert during exercise or outdoor activities
• People with heart disease, high blood pressure, poor circulation.

Warning signs

Heat Rash 

• Red clumps of pimples or small blisters around neck, chest, groin, and elbow creases
• Keep the area dry, use some of that baby powder from your chutes

Sunburn

• Red, painful skin that stays warm after exposure to the sun
• Consult a physician if you get a fever, fluid filled blisters, or severe pain
• Avoid repeated exposure
• Apply cold compresses or immerse in cool water
• Apply moisturizing lotion, do not use salve, butter or ointment
• Do not break blisters

Heat Cramps

• Affect people who sweat a lot and lose salt and moisture, low salt levels can cause painful cramps
• Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the legs, stomach, and arms, associated with strenuous activity.
• If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.
• Treatment –
  • Stop all activity, sit in a cool quiet place
  • Drink clear juice or sports drink (Gatorade)
  • Do not return to the strenuous activity for at least two hours after the cramps go away.
  • Seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside in an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• This is the onset of a major heat related problem! 
• If you have any of the following warning signs, take action immediately.
• Warning signs:
  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting
• The skin may be cool and moist, rapid and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing.
• If you keep on going, you could rapidly develop heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have heart disease, you have (or develop) severe symptoms, or the symptoms last more than an hour
• What to do:
  • Cool off – cool fluids
  • Cool shower or bath, sponge bath
  • Air conditioned environment
  • Quit for the day

Heat Stroke

• This is a true medical emergency, call for medical help immediately
• Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate temperature.
• The body’s temperature will rise rapidly, sweating fails. 
• Body temperatures can get to 106°F or higher in 10 to 15 minutes.
• Heat stroke can kill or cause permanent disability if emergency treatment is not started immediately
• Warning signs
  • Extreme body temperature
  • Red hot, dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
• What to do
  • Call 911 immediately
  • Cool the victim – shade, water sprays, immersion, wet sheets
  • Do not give anything to drink

Remember – Stay cool and drink lots of fluids