LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness: A Day at the Beach |
by Rick Moore |
Welcome to Summer, year 2000. As many of you know, it's been hot out there, very hot to be exact. This past weekend, the temps were pushing the high 90 degree mark and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The heat index was over 105. Dave and I, with some friends, went to the beachCape Henlopen State Parkon Sunday. The air was thick and the ground was hot. When we got to the sandy part of the beach, we had to put on shoes because the sand was so hot, it was extremely uncomfortable to walk on. Foot coverings were a necessity! We picked a spot to pitch the tent and had to cool off our tootsies in the 60 degree ocean water. I observed people bringing their pets to the beach on leashes. I have said this before but it deserves repeatingwhat are you people thinking?!! Not only do your pets have four paws to touch the scorching hot sand, but they're also wearing a fur coat. Now, let's put fur coats on these pet owners and make them walk barefooted on hot coals. Is this being smart? Is it being fair to the poor animals? I know we all love our pets, but do you have to subject these poor critters to such harsh conditions? Dave and I have animals at the house, and we leave them in air conditioned comfort with plenty of water when it's so terribly hot outside. It's a good thing dogs and cats can't use the phone, because ours would be ordering ice cream to be delivered, too. As an animal lover, I really feel for these poor dogs on the beach. Can't their owners just use common sense and leave them home? OK, enough carpingbut I really hope these people see this. And if they don't, maybe a friend or relative can pass this information along. While at the beach, I noticed a lot of people using sun screen. Dave and I were slathering up with SPF 30 (that's pretty high). Dave informs me that they now have SPF 45. I haven't seen it yet. It so happens that the Weather Channel had predicted a "10" on the sunburn index for our region that weekend. That's the highest rating you can get. Not only do you roast, but you toast really badly without any sun burn protection. Dave now insists that we wear our sun protection because of the ozone layer's demise. I understand that there is a huge hole over Antarctica. The ozone is what helps protect us from those harmful ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer. (I love putting lotion on my big hunky Dave.) And you know another thing I noticed? A lot of people are wearing proper eye protection (sunglasses). The glare can be absolutely blinding. They sell cheap shades for a dollar at some of the stores near the beach. For those of us who have trouble seeing without our glasses, you can get a pair of prescription sunglasses. Many eye wear places have specials on them for summer. Then again, I got a really cool pair of clip-ons for my regular glasses. Very handy, and only $10. How about some hydration with WATER? Many people on the beach were drinking sodas, regular and diet. Though it may be tasty, you're way better off drinking water instead. The sugar in these sodas actually makes you thirstierno kidding. The combination may tickle your taste buds, but the water will actually quench your thirst much better. Just being on that hot beach for two hours, Dave and I went through a gallon of water between us. Now I know we all like some music, but the couple a little further over from us had their boom box with them. Welcome to The Renegade II. Could we turn it down there fellas? Not everyone is here to listen to your type of music. Actually, I like the quiet of the beach. I enjoy the waves crashing on the shore. Somebody must have said something. They turned down the volume considerably. No more noise pollution. Yes, the heat was just too intense for us. I had a gentleman walk by me and say, "You're gonna burn!" Even with our SPF 30, we could feel our shoulders sizzling. That's a good indication we should take off. We packed up everything and headed back to the car. And here's where I did a stupid thing. My car has a black leather interior and a black roof. Need I say more? The interior had to be over 120 degrees. I'd forgotten to crack the windows open on both sides to vent the heat. And the other stupid thing? Black seats absorb heat, and believe it or not, you can suffer a nasty burn to your butt, legs and even your back. I sat down and sprang right up again! Feel the seats with your hand before you sit down. If they're hot, leave the doors open for a while. Take one of your beach towels and drape it over the seat bottom and back. This will help reduce the burn and also absorb any sweat or suntan lotion you may still have all over your body. I couldn't wait to get home and use the outside shower. That thing is one of life's little treasures. Have a safe and healthy time at the beach. Using a little common sense while there will make it even more enjoyable. See you at Bearapalooza June 23-25. Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit his club, Rick's Fitness & Health in Milton. He's on the Internet at http://www.ricksfitness.net, or cal 302-684-3669. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 7, June 16, 2000 |