Today, many anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are aware of the risk of skin cancer. Another potential risk is one I would like to touch on in this article.
To get started, I'd like to share a little background on what happened to me this past weekend.
This past Saturday I was invited to spend a day on Horwood Lake with Princecraft Pro staffer Craig Salmonson, his wife Josee and an angler that guides on Horwood Lake and Ivanhoe Lake, Taylor Klimczak.
Our goal for the day was to start off pulling some crank baits and spinner rigs, ending the day jigging for some walleye.
Overnight saw rain showers which gave way to a beautiful sunrise. With little to no wind, the morning bite only produced a couple of decent under slot walleye on crank baits due to bright skies.
After catching a couple fish on a rock hump casting jigs, jigging raps, shiver minnows and Phantom Tilly's, we decided to pull some spinner rigs as the temperature started rising.
During the day, everyone made sure they kept putting on sun screen along with drinking plenty of water and a G2 sports drink.
We did manage to catch a couple more walleye while pulling spinner rigs before turning our attention back to jigging in areas that had some wind blowing into or over the structure so we all could cool down before calling it a day.
Although the temperature was only 24C, the lack of wind on most of lake and the sun beating down reflecting back off the water made for a hot day on the water.
On our way home, Taylor commented that he was going to bed after having a big glass of water. I told him that sounded like a great plan as I was exhausted myself.
During dinner I had a bottle of water and then a Gatorade before going to bed.
The next morning when I went to get up, I collapsed and fell into the bedroom door frame landing on the floor. As I sat on the floor for thirty seconds, I wondered what just happened. Did I just have a heart attack or a stroke ?
As I stood up, I put my hands over my head and then started to talk to see if I was having one or had one. Everything seemed alright and I wasn't confused so I was puzzled as what just happened.
During a conversation later in the day with a friend, they suggested I go to the ER to get checked out.
After arriving at the hospital and being admitted, I explained what had happened to the doctor and he ordered a CT scan and blood work. After a couple of hours, the doctor came back in with the results.
Tests indicated that it wasn't a stroke or heart attack. The doctor told me that I had fainted without passing out. This was due to some dehydration. Although I drank water throughout the day and then before bed, the medication I have been taking for 26 years causes dryness in the mouth while I sleep.
He went on to explain as we grow older, staying hydrated is even more important.
I told him that I had an outdoor column and was wondering what suggestions he could offer me to share with the readers to avoid this happening to them.
They are as follows:
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid excess alcohol
• Avoid long periods of time in the sun
• Drink a glass of water before bed
• Sit on the edge of bed before getting out to allow the blood to flow throughout your body
• If possible, have a glass or water bottle next to your bed so you could have a drink before standing up
The doctor went on to say that this doesn't mean anyone younger can't experience the same thing.
Although I did suffer some severely bruised ribs and discomfort in my back, which has left me sidelined for awhile, I am thankful it wasn't any worse than it was.
One final note: If you happen to fall or pass out, get immediately to the hospital as the first four hours are the most crucial for treatment.
Whether you're an angler or hunter; a camp, lodge, resort owner; or just holding an outdoor event and would like some exposure, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
