The Dangers of Dehydration On the Field

Hey guys! It seems the weather's finally starting to get nice again, which means two things: airsofting and dehydration.

Dehydration is, in the words of WebMD, "a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in." In short, you aren't drinking enough water.

The symptoms of dehydration are dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, severe thirst, confusion, sluggishness and fainting, and in severe cases, inability to sweat. Dehydration is no joke; when it hits you, it hits you hard. I have seen many of my friends and fellow MCJROTC Cadets fall victim to dehydration.

One way to prevent dehydration is, not surprisingly, to DRINK WATER! I refer to this as hydrating. Hydrating begins three days before a skirmish! Cut back on sodas, tea, and other diuretics. You have to drink six glasses of water to replenish fluids lost by drinking one can of soda. Try to drink 10 to 12 glasses (more, if you want to) of water a day on the days leading up to a skirmish. Another thing to do is purchase a CamelBak or a couple of canteens. That will keep you hydrated on the field.

If you come across a person who is suffering from dehydration, bring them to a shady, cool spot and have them sit down or lay down. Give them water. If they are severely dehydrated, give them the water in small increments; if they drink too fast, they will be rendered one seriously messed up individual. If the person suffering from dehydration does not seem to get better, seek professional medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

Taking these steps to prevent dehydration will keep you in the game and the bbs flying. Remember, the knowledge you gain today will be what's saving your ass tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Great Read..I think this could get bumped into a sticky. Maybe?

Even though this is not completely related, another problem that should be observed among players is the possibility of a Diabetic playing. I myself am a diabetic, and have had quite a few complications while playing a game. If they are slow or act like they do not know where they are or what they are doing or laughing for no reason, or being lightheaded, just ask them if they are okay.

Would it be wrong to stab them with an insulin shot?

Wow, stickydom? You think so? I'd be honored!

@Sno_Snipe
I wonder if we should get some health-related threads going?

There was a really good thread a while back on hydration and field health.
I'd go find it, but I'm too sore/lazy.

THAT one was sticky worthy, definitely.

Format your post and it'll be alot better.
I honestly am not even going to read it because its a huge blob of text...

Then why didnt we Sticky it GODDAMMIT!

How would you like me to format it, Durkee?

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

How would you like me to format it, Durkee?

Make it less of a blob

Theres a key right under the "\" on your keyboard...click it a few times

That better?

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

That better?

Sure is. Thanks.
Its a good read!

dehydration is a HORRIBLE feeling, during our first OP i forgot to fill my hydro carrier, heading up a hill. I noticed I had completely stopped sweating, i ended up stealing another teammates water while he was off doing recon, felt like i was going to pass out

@Durkee
Thanks, I appreciate it!

@sniper
Yeah, like I said, dehydration is no joking matter

Also take note that the day of the game/whaetever sport or activity your doing, have some sort of Gatorade or something similar for every 3 bottles of water. The Gatorade has potassium and a few other things that water does not have.

Good read Jarhead.

sticks

Excellent idea, sticks! Also, another thing to avoid are the energy shots and energy drinks.

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

Excellent idea, sticks! Also, another thing to avoid are the energy shots and energy drinks.

And sodas! When you're thirsty or dehydrated, don't grab anything related to energy drinks, sodas, or anything that's packed with loads of CRAP.

Water, Gatorade, Propel, Vitamin Water, are all good choices in my opinion.

DrummerBoyz95 wrote:

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

Excellent idea, sticks! Also, another thing to avoid are the energy shots and energy drinks.

And sodas! When you're thirsty or dehydrated, don't grab anything related to energy drinks, sodas, or anything that's packed with loads of CRAP.

Water, Gatorade, Propel, Vitamin Water, are all good choices in my opinion.

I included sodas. Those are all excellent things to drink the day of a skirmish.

Just wanted to bump it so the new guys will read up. Weather's getting warmer, guys, take heed!

I always bring a gallon of water to games

Very good post Jarhead everyone needed to know how serious it can be if you get dehydrated it can get bad fast and also a tip eat spaghetti and alot of noodles the night before a game it gives you complex carbs for endurance and energy.

Yeah but don't eat too much or else you'll be barfing up alfredo sauce during a game.

I always find it's good to start the day off with a light breakfast, but something with carbs that will give you energy (a waffle with a little bit of syrup, for example) and then eat something small for lunch. I eat a big dinner afterward, though, haha. I once ate a Taco Bell Grande Pack by myself after a eleven hour day of airsofting because I'm such a fatass