Summary: Show Notes: Episode 141<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re too darned hot, today’s episode will give you some ideas for cooling down. And we’ll keep the heat coming with a review on a fire starter that’s non-toxic, long burning and waterproof. Then, on the Backpack Hack of the Week you’ll learn how create your own ultralight human powered AC unit (is that overselling it a bit?)<br> Opening<br> <br> * Staying cool in hot weather<br> * Where is it hot? Where to go when you want hot weather<br> * How to avoid the heat: summertime at high elevations. near water<br> * Heat exhaustion:<br> * Red face, nausea,vomiting, headache, dizziness or vertigo, fatigue<br> * Rapid heart rate, decreased sweating<br> * Shortness of breath, decreased urination, blood in urine or stool<br> * Heat stroke:<br> * Confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness<br> * Very rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat<br> * Rapid rise in body temperature that reaches 104 degrees to 106 degrees F<br> * Any other heat-related symptom that is not alleviated by moving to a shady or air-conditioned area and administering fluids and salts<br> * Disclaimer: This is not meant to be medical advice…everything we know about medicine we learned from Google. Consult your physician.<br> <br> Top 5 Ways to Stay Cool When it’s Hot<br> Cotton bandana<br> <br> * But what about “Cotton kills” and “cotton is rotten”—it’s still true for cotton clothing.<br> * Your bandana is about the only item of clothing you should have that’s cotton. The great things about a cotton bandana is that cotton is extremely absorbent. It can hold 27 times its weight in water. You can use it to cool your skin and it feels great!<br> * If you wear cotton clothing while hiking and backpacking, the cotton will absorb sweat, but because the sweat is trapped in the article of clothing, it’s not going to be drawn away to create that cooling effect like it would be in synthetic or wool clothing.<br> * Bring some cotton along—on your hot trips—in the form of a cotton bandana<br> <br> Water<br> <br> * Humans are not camels. Our bodies don’t really have the built-in hardware to store extra fluid. If you drink more than your body needs, it’s going straight to a little dump tank called the bladder—where it isn’t going to be used for rehydration.<br> * Plus if you try to overload your body with water, you’ll experience a little ocean in your stomach which may lead to cramping and discomfort.<br> * Urine doesn’t have to be completely clear<br> * TRUTH: “Obey Your Thirst”<br> * Probably a good idea to monitor your water intake…be aware.<br> * You can also cool down with water by getting into some water. Feels great to just take off your shoes and dip your toes into some glacial runoff…<br> <br> Ventilation<br> <br> * Back panel of your backpack should provide<br> * Zip off or convertable pants<br> * Minimalist shoes/sandals like Xero Shoes<br> <br> Layers<br> <br> * Layers are always a good idea—whether the temps are hot or cold.<br> * Always bring layers, no matter what the temps are.<br> <br> Shade<br> <br> * Parasol/umbrella<br> * Bandana on back of neck<br> * Stand of trees that provide a cool patch of shade<br> * Breathable hat (Protects your face from burns and lets the heat out of your head and covers you from the direct, beating rays of the sun)<br> <br> BONUS: Menthol<br> <br> * WIKI “Menthol triggers the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin is responsible for the well-known cooling sensation it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin. The TRPM8 channel is the primary molecular transducer of cold somatosensation in humans.”<br> * Menthol can be found it a lot of common items<br> * Mint chewing gum<br> * Methol-lyptus cough drops<br> * Burts Bees lip balm or a little screw top container of Mentholatum or Vicks Vaporub<br>
