New Orleans (WGNO) – When it comes to staying hydrated, Red Dress Run participants are full of ideas.
A few comments offered at the registration area: “I plan on not only drinking beer, but probably vodka,” said a woman from Dallas, Texas.
“We usually don’t drink for the week before this, then drink when we’re here,” said a red-masked woman from Destin, Florida. Another registrant said he would be drinking milk. Coconut water was also mentioned.
Organizers hope that having plenty of non-alcoholic options—and emergency medical technicians—on hand will lead to a safe event.
“We’re trying to keep people hydrated. We are actually putting root beer on a couple of the beer trucks,” said Grand Master Kendall Daigle.
Dr. Mark Berenson, a New Orleans doctor who makes house calls, says it’s not about beating the heat but rather, it’s about holding on to hydration.
“We walk around dehydrated most of the year, so when it’s this hot, we’re really dehydrated,” says Berenson.
He says when temperatures soar, so do the number of calls for intravenous therapy, but there are some simpler solutions.
“If you have to have alcohol, which is the majority of the folks this weekend, I recommend getting really hydrated before you go out.”
Also: avoid sugary drinks beforehand and once the party has started, add ice to every drink.
Another simple trick: enjoy a salty snack before the good times roll.
“Having a meal with salt in it before you go out will help you retain water and actually decrease the risk of dehydration,” says Berenson.
Gumbo and potato chips are two ideas. It comes down to smart celebrating and watching out for signs of heat exhaustion that can lead to heat stroke.
“It’s a spectrum. It’s all a spectrum of the same illness of dehydration. Look for lightheadedness, dizziness, faint, feeling generally weak.”
If that happens, it’s time to rest and rehydrate.
For heat wave safety tips from the American Red Cross, click here.