Golfers should stretch prior to each round of golf. This can have a significant impact on your performance and will help you avoid unnecessary injury. A general stretching program can do wonders to improve persistent minor injuries. Proper flexibility throughout the torso, hips, and legs is also very important to golfers. If these muscles are tight, the effort needed to walk a single round can result in persistent problems and injuries such as low back pain and tendonitis
If you are willing to commit at least 4 weeks to a stretching program, you should notice the difference by the end of that time period. If you have already tried stretching on your own with limited improvement, there are many professional physical therapists or certified athletic trainers who can design a program for your specific needs that will get you back to health. When selecting a therapist or trainer, make sure they often evaluate golfers for flexibility or treat golf related injuries. These professionals will be able to do a thorough screening and evaluation and create a stretching plan just for you.
Another very important factor for Houston golfers is Houston is hydration. A beautiful, sunny day can bring with it fun and excitement or life threatening illness. Heat sickness is a fast acting, dangerous killer. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can bring about an irreversible coma and even death. A lack of water intake is a great hindrance to golfers, especially in the hot humid summer weather in Houston. Hydration must be maintained in order to function well. Two to three 8 oz glasses of water should be consumed prior to the first tee and then continue consuming a minimum of 4 oz or more between every hole. Its important to watch out for signs of heat and dehydration while on the course.
Heat cramps are muscle contractions in the gastronomies or hamstring area (back of calves). Heat cramps feel like a severe muscle pull, and are very painful. They are associated with lack of fluids, lack of physical conditioning and high temperatures. They are not life threatening, but ignoring the symptoms can result in the progression of other more serious heat related illnesses. If you suspect you or someone in your party is experiencing heat cramps, they should seek an air-conditioned building and consume plenty of water. Additionally, they should rest and not participate in outside activity for at least 24 hours.
Heat exhaustion is acute weakness caused by extreme body heat. Excessive heat coupled with dehydration can cause the body to raise the body temperature to over 102-degrees. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include lack of color in the skin, nausea, extreme weakness, vertigo, lightheadedness, vomiting, fainting and cool, clammy skin. Heat Exhaustion is a significant illness and should be carefully monitored. If you suspect someone in your group is a victim of heat exhaustion, take them immediately into an air-conditioned room. They should consume liquids, including water and sports drinks immediately and liberally. Sports drinks can assist in replacing needed electrolytes. Cool rags should be placed on various areas of the body. If body temperature remains elevated after the above treatments, it's best to consult a doctor for further instructions.
The most serious of the heat related illnesses is heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and the most severe form of heat related illness. Anyone displaying the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke should be immediately taken to the nearest hospital. Heat Stroke is not necessarily caused by exercise or exertion. Heat Stroke usually occurs in the very young or very old and is normally associated with High temperatures, lack of body fluids and overexposure to the elements. The first sign to assess in a possible victim of Heat Stroke is red, flushed skin. When suffering with Heat Stroke, the victim does not sweat, so it is critical that they receive emergency care immediately to relieve their body of heat. Other signs of Heat Stroke include: seizures, a body temperature of 106-degrees or higher, headache, rapid pulse, and even unconsciousness.
Heat related illnesses are preventable. All athletes should keep in mind that staying hydrated is critical to avoiding them. Wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing will aid your body in cooling itself. If you feel like you are getting light headed or hot, take a break and rest in a well-ventilated and shaded area. Its ok to wear a hat for sun protection, but if you feel yourself getting hot, remove it to allow excess body heat to escape. Ultimately, keep one thing in mind, don’t over do it! Heat Stroke can occur in less than one hour. Enjoy the summer weather and great golf courses the city of Houston has to offer, at the same time, take care to avoid unnecessary injury.
