9 replies to this topic

[Langley]

Heat Exhaustion at Apoc is a very real danger. At last year's Apoc the heat index reached what the National Weather Service (and Kenny Loggins) call the Danger Zone. Temperatures are approaching that range today in New Jersey, and it's possible that they will be as bad or worse at the war. These high temperatures are compounded by the fact that there is very little shade on the field at Apoc, and according to the same NWS page linked above, direct sunlight can increase the heat index by up to 15^F.

How you can prepare:

• Bring enough water. At least a gallon jug for a single person is recommended. Bringing a sports drink like Gatoraid will also help, and the extra salt will help defend against Hyponatremia. Don't forget to leave your water in the shade when you put it down. It *will* be too hot to dink if you leave it in the sun.
• Wear lightweight brightly colored clothing. Leave the black t-shirt and tacticool pants at home. Cotton may keep you cooler than synthetics, unless they are designed specifically to keep you cool (like under armor heat gear).
• Wear sunscreen. Put it on at home before the war, then put it on again at the war when you've sweat it all off.
• Wear a hat or visor. Something that will shade your face and/or neck, but won't keep the heat in.
• Avoid Caffeine. Lay off the Monster and the Red Bull for a couple of days.
• Train in hot weather. If you spend all day in an air-conditioned building, try and get out and get some exercise in the days and weeks leading up to the war. If you don't, the heat and humidity will hit you like a ton of bricks.

[andtheherois]

A good electrolyte drink is a mix of 4 parts water to 1 part apple or cranberry juice (not from concentrate and not a cocktail) with a touch of salt added. It's not the best tasting but it keeps you hydrated better than a sports drink or just plain water.

Also if you're the kind of person that tends to chafe (as I am), put some Vaseline or body glide on those areas to help prevent rash/chafing.

Edited by andtheherois, 17 July 2013 - 05:25 PM.

[Langley]

Also if you're the kind of person that tends to chafe (as I am), put some Vaseline or body glide on those areas to help prevent rash/chafing.

You spoiled the ending to my next article, "Surviving the Apocalypse: Crotch Rot". Body Glide is available at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) and it looks like a little stick of deodorant.

[hoongfu]

As a cyclist having experienced chafing on a almost monthly basis I would recommend:

That Butt Stuff: Anti-Chafing Cream
Paceline Products Chamois Butt'r Creme
Brave Soldier Friction Zone

And lastly my favorite:
DZ Nuts High Viscosity Chamois Cream



Also for the love of all NERF please wear deodorant or body spray. AXE if you are douchey and you have nothing else, but something, anything, please!

Edited by hoongfu, 17 July 2013 - 05:58 PM.

[Xellah]

It was a butt-million degrees last year but still bearable in the afternoon. We (the Ohioans) brought a cooler to keep our drinks in, which was a lifesaver. A canopy is an excellent thing to have since the staging area doesn't have too much shade.

The afternoon rounds of Carpe were the best part of last year's war after the heat had died down a bit.

[Griever 2112]

Hey Guys, My friend Art, who was at one of the NJ wars this year (soon to be member here on NH under Artmageddon) Is a cross country runner, and has ran in a lot of various climates. He was going to post this but he is in the waiting group so this is some additional and add on advice.

"Hey all - so having recently finished an Ultramarathon in the Sahara desert*, I can share suggestions on how to stay safe in the heat for APOC. The others in here have brought up some good tips, and I'm happy to expand on them.

• Hydration is a MUST, especially with the heat waves we've been getting in NJ. Langley suggested at least 1 gallon of water, my personal recommendation might be at least two gallons, depending on how fit you are, how hot it is, how much you'll play, and if someone forgets to bring their own. Hydration is the cheapest yet most important aspect of the day and there's no reason to skimp on it. Like Langley said, sports drinks are going to be better than water alone, because water won't replace the salt that your body loses from sweat. Personally, I use water as well as hydration tablets like Nuun(see URL below) - you can find these at a nearby running store, or at an outdoors shop like REI. They're better than sports drinks because you get a better dosage of sodium and other electrolytes without sugar and junk like that.
• Expanding upon the previous point, listen to your body. If you start to feel cramps, dizziness, dehydration, overheated... just stop playing and give yourself some rest. Seriously, sit out a round or two and let your body recover. There's *no* reason to let yourself succumb to heat stroke. Langley’s point about Hyponatremia is a very real concern – don’t think it can’t happen to you!
• If you are on any kind of medication like Tylenol or Advil, STAY HYDRATED. Putting your body through this kind of strenuous heat(and salt loss) while on these kinds of medications can be hazardous for your kidneys. This applies to anyone of any age!
• Light-colored, light-weight, loose fit clothing is the best option here. If you can get UnderArmour heat gear, or other synthetics like it, that would be your best bet. I like it because it wicks the sweat off of your body, and they're really comfortable. If you can't get UnderArmour, cotton is probably fine as long as it's loose and breathable, but beware that your shirt will weigh you down as you sweat more(cotton absorbs a lot of water), and you'll be more prone to chafing as the material rubs on your body.
• Sunscreen is also a must, but don't leave it at home, take it with you. Reapply it every two or three hours, regardless of whether it's SPF 15 or 45 - sweat will affect how long it stays on your skin. Either sprays or creams will be fine.
• Avoiding caffeine is a very good idea - this includes coffee, energy drinks like Red Bull / Monster, and soda. Using caffeine will dehydrate you faster, especially in the heat.
• I also recommend wearing a hat/visor, and will also add sunglasses. Given the lack of shade, you'll want eye protection to keep your retinas from getting burned, or from taking a stray dart to the face. I'm usually reluctant to suggest cheap sunglasses like the kind you find at Walmart, but if you're just wearing them for the day then those will work. If you wear eyeglasses like I do, definitely get a hat - the brim will shade your eyes for at least part of the day. Personally I'll be wearing a hat like the Desert Hat linked below, as the flaps will cover part of my neck.
• If there's no shade, bring some - getting a beach tent wouldn't be a bad idea, but if that's too pricey/heavy, bring an umbrella. Even a cheap $5 one will help keep the sun off of you while you're not playing, and that'll allow for better recovery between rounds. I'll have a large umbrella with me that is large enough for two.
• Others have suggested using body glide / vaseline, and I will do the same. Getting a rash on your thighs / chest hurrrrts, and getting one means you'll feel it for days when you walk. Much like the Nuun, you can get it from a local running store. It’s only a couple bucks and well worth it – people who will be wearing cotton clothing will definitely want to consider using it, and I can speak from painful, personal experience from not having used it.
• Getting acclimated to the heat isn't a bad idea prior to the event. Get outside and go for a walk!
• Finally, I'm going to wear special arm sleeve coolers that will cover the lower and upper arms. The ones I use are made of a special material that helps cool your skin, especially when water is poured over them. It's also nice because it means having to use less sunscreen, and they can be removed whenever I want(unlike a long sleeve shirt which has to be rolled up and kept up, keeping more heat inside your shirt). They may look silly but damn if they don't work.

I'll post more thoughts as they come to mind. Looking forward to meeting everyone at APOC!

Nuun: http://www.nuun.com
Desert flap hat: http://www.amazon.co...D/dp/B000B5GU1M
Arm sleeve coolers: http://www.artscycle...CFYqZ4Aod4AgAWw

*Sahara desert race pics if anyone is curious: http://imgur.com/a/UyQ7S#0"

Edited by Griever 2112, 18 July 2013 - 02:48 PM.

[Griever 2112]

Damn double post.

Edited by Griever 2112, 18 July 2013 - 02:47 PM.

[PBZ]

It was a butt-million degrees last year but still bearable in the afternoon. We (the Ohioans) brought a cooler to keep our drinks in, which was a lifesaver. A canopy is an excellent thing to have since the staging area doesn't have too much shade.

The afternoon rounds of Carpe were the best part of last year's war after the heat had died down a bit.

I will be bringing a 10x10 tent for us to be under, and anyone dying (don't.) of heat. coolers are a great idea, they certainly did save us last year; ignore the longish walk, or man up and get a cooler with wheels.

[Langley]

I will be bringing a 10x10 tent for us to be under, and anyone dying (don't.) of heat. coolers are a great idea, they certainly did save us last year; ignore the longish walk, or man up and get a cooler with wheels.

To anyone thinking of bringing a tent: I do not want the added attention of having a little tent city in the staging area. Tents (anything with walls) are discouraged. I might be okay with a canopy or easy-up or whatever if it doesn't get out of hand. I'm looking at shifting the staging area over a bit this year so that we have more shade, to help compensate.

[PBZ]

To anyone thinking of bringing a tent: I do not want the added attention of having a little tent city in the staging area. Tents (anything with walls) are discouraged. I might be okay with a canopy or easy-up or whatever if it doesn't get out of hand. I'm looking at shifting the staging area over a bit this year so that we have more shade, to help compensate.

with that clarification, its a canopy.

tent cities are unclassy, we had better at least have a canopy city.