Back in August, we discussed if we should be drinking tap water. Then we discussed drinking bottled water and what kind we should drink. For a review of these issues, you can contact Sue or go to my web site, www.chiropractichealthcareclinic.com, they are posted there. Then we discussed dehydration and heatstroke. This was around the time when a player from the Minnesota Vikings died from heat stroke and parents were up in arms. It is important for the weekend warrior or gardener to be aware or the signs of heat stroke. The everyday Joe should be aware of proper hydration, because the average individual is walking around dehydrated due to all the coffee and sodas we consume. I mention this to get us back into the "water" frame of mind. I had one more article to write on the subject but honestly I was just plain "watered out" back in August and figured you were too. Like with most issues related to the body the idea of balance is key. As a group we tend to think more is better rather than a balance…and yes I do include myself in this group. The last water issue I would like to touch upon is over hydration. This is not a problem for those with easy access to rest rooms, but when was the last time a high school athlete excused themselves from a scrimmage to take care of business. This is a condition usually affecting those in organized extreme sports, the triathlete, the marathon runner, the football player, the band member in summer practice, the cheerleader training for competition, the basketball player in a tournament are just some of folks which maybe affected by this. Over hydration (fancy name – hypernatremia) can be fatal if the signs are not recognized and proper treatment implemented. Many times it is assumed that the athlete is suffering from dehydration, and of course you can see the problems stemming from this assumption. Dehydration is rarely fatal. In WWII we exercised a group of army conscripts in the desert without any fluid until they dropped. They usually dropped in about 8 hours. Although this study was not really humane, we did find out that man can suffer a water deficit so incapacitating that he can neither walk or stand; yet he recovers his walking ability within a few minutes after drinking water, and his feelings of well being return within 30 minutes or less after drinking. With a meal or two, recovery will be practically complete in 6 to 12 hours. Recommended? No, but it does give us some useful information. These guys experienced levels of dehydration 2x the amount of extreme athletes. Also, up until 1969, endurance athletes were actually encouraged not to drink during exercise, yet there are almost no documented cases of complications. Sounds kind of insane now. Can you imagine telling a marathoner, "Hey buddy, we will give you a cup a water around mile 26 or so." Proper hydration is important, but some people take it to the extreme drinking liters of water at a time before participating in an activity. Anyone participating in extreme activities, needs to do so with a partner. If a person collapses after an activity is finished, like in a road race, it is usually due to the decreased use of the leg muscles at the finish. Blood can’t get back to the heart. Get them out of the heat, raise their pelvis and legs about 6"and fan your friend. This is not usually a cause of alarm and they generally come around in a couple of minutes. However it is always prudent to have a once over by a healthcare professional. If your partner collapses before the end of an activity, it is time to become good friend extrordinaire and take charge, as this is never a good sign. Look at your friend. If their rings or bracelets are tight, they may be over hydrated. If their eyes are sunken and you pull on their skin and it tents up, and they can’t spit, they may be dehydrated. Talk to them. If they are confused or have subtle changes in personality, all the more pressing to get them emergency care, as they could be suffering from heat stroke which can be readily determined by taking a rectal temperature. However this is not recommended if you want to keep your work out partner. I think getting them to the proper authorities will suffice. By having a work out or activity partner many life threatening situations can be avoided and if they do arise, you will be able to give valuable information to the care giver dictating the effectiveness of the care your friend receives. Self defense? Get a buddy. Follow proper hydration guidelines. Train properly for your event, and when nature calls, listen!