Stay Cool During Summer Marching Band Camps
Summer band camps and marching clinics have become a mandatory part of most high school band curriculums, and benefit students in these programs in many ways. Not only does the band get a head start on learning half-time and competition shows, incoming freshmen have the chance to acclimate to the rigors of the marching band before classes begin and every student benefits from the physical conditioning regimen many directors incorporate into these camps, which gets them in shape for the sometimes strenuous physical demands of long parades and complex marching shows. However, these outdoor rehearsals in the sweltering August heat pose the same risks and health threats as summer sports practices. Directors should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, learn how to prevent them, and arm themselves with information on how to help students who may fall prey to extreme heat and humidity.
Dehydration is perhaps the most common problem among those who participate in prolonged physical activity in the extreme heat of late summer. The body loses large amounts of fluid through perspiration, drastically more so when the temperature is above 80 degrees and humidity is high. If these fluids are not replenished at the first sign of dehydration, the body loses its ability to release extra heat through perspiration. Without this self-cooling mechanism, the body temperature can become dangerously high, and if there is not enough fluid in the body to maintain kidney function, dehydration can be fatal, even in young people.
The simplest way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water (and maybe even a sports drink) before any physical activity, and to replenish these fluids often during and after any workout. Surprisingly enough, thirst is rarely a symptom of true dehydration. In fact, the lack of thirst often experienced by dehydrated individuals is especially problematic because this is often when their body needs fluids the most. Directors should instead watch for a sudden decrease in energy and performance levels, and take any complaints of headaches, dizziness, or body aches seriously.
