Heat

Question
I am 51 and have played golf year-around in Texas for about 10 years now. Most of the time, to get the benefit of the exercise, I walk the course, pushing my clubs in a 3-wheel cart. When I start after 5:00p, I can walk 18 in 100-degree Texas heat with no adverse after affects. However, when I attempt to walk during mid-day sun (we have a Sunday afternoon game with a 1:30 tee time), I typically develop a headache Sunday evening and experience extreme fatigue. I try to make sure I stay hydrated during and after the round, including monitoring my urine color. I have also applied a cold towel and/or ice frequently during the round, but nothing I've tried so far seems to work reliably. My next attempt, thinking that the culprit might be a reaction to skin exposure to the sun during its most intense hours, is to wear a protective barrier of clothing (consisting of Under Armour long-sleeve HeatGear and a hat with a neck flap). When I saw in your description that you accept questions about pain after a round, I thought I would submit my information. Thanks, Chuck Henry

Answer
Hello Chuck. When you perspire you lose more than liquids, your body loses electrolytes, potassium, magnesium and others, all of which I don't recall. Most people are deficient in these to start with because they are manufactured out of the food supply. I suggest getting a magnesium--based nutrient powder (Calm is a good one) and take the recommended dose before, during and after the round.  That's in addition to the water you normally drink.

I'll be interested in hearing what that does for you. People deficient in magnesium are prone to muscle cramping and your headaches may be just that.

Fairways and Greens,

John