Stay hydrated at NOAC
By Scott Harrison
“Clear and Copious”
Veterans of the BSA’s high adventure bases, jamborees and NOAC gatherings are familiar with the mantra. What it means is that if you’re not passing clear urine several times a day, then you’re not drinking enough water and staying hydrated.
To enjoy all events NOAC 2015 has to offer, beat the heat and stay healthy and cool with this basic first aid advice:
- Look around as you walk on campus. Where can you refill your water bottle? Are there shaded routes that you can take?
- Start your day by drinking a quart or more of water, and carry a full water bottle. Also, consider your activities for the day, and dress accordingly.
- Choose water over soft drinks. While a cold pop (as Michiganders call it) or soda may tickle your tongue at lunch, the high sugar content will only boost your chances of dehydrating.
- Watch for the classic signs of dehydration: dry mouth, headache, decreased sweating, darker urine, weakness, muscle cramps, and decreased appetite.
- Buddy up! You and a friend can remind each other about drinking water regularly.
A person who fails to consider dehydration early may lapse into heat exhaustion — a sure way to miss much of the week’s activity. If a Scout or a buddy becomes dizzy, pale, nauseous, or sweaty and clammy, get him to the medical station at Rather Hall immediately!
