I recently spent some time in the desert of Arizona, courtesy of Remington Arms and EOTech, at a women’s media event. After a safety briefing regarding firearms and the ranges at Gunsite Academy, our instructor, Il Ling New, launched into a new slide on the PowerPoint presentation – and it focused on urine color.
Il Ling New on the range. Photo courtesy of Barbara Baird
Having lived in the desert of Southern California and having raised 4 children who played outside practically everyday, I can attest to the importance of knowing your hydration levels by watching your urine colors and those of your young children. And you shouldn’t only gauge the color of your urine, you need to be monitoring the volume, as well. I’m not talking about using a collection system, because as an adult, you really should know what’s normal.
However, it’s important to know the difference in color and what that means.
These charts were hung above the commodes at Gunsite Academy.
“It should have a light yellow tinge to it. Lemonade is much better than apple juice. And if you’re delving into the ice tea realm, it’s time to drink,” said Brendon McDermott, assistant professor, clinical coordinator for graduate athletic training program and co-director of the applied physiology laboratory at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in an article at HealthDay.
McDermott also recommended finding your own “sweat rate,” where you weigh yourself before exercising, wearing little if any clothing, and then weigh yourself after exercising for 30 min. and waiting an additional 30 minutes. You’ll see how much fluid you need to replace, roughly, if you perform this experiement in the privacy of your own home.
With the recent heat wave affecting the country this week, especially in the upper Midwest, it’s important to remember to “vet your sweat,” and watch your 5 shades of yellow. And don’t forget that it’s important to “go” even when you’re out there hunting.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
Another excellent and informative column, Barbara. Witty double entendre headline, too!
Great info for something that is overlooked, more often than not! I have been advised to drink half of my body weight in ounces of water during the day – and this is a normal day. Imagine how much more we need when we are physically challenged on a strenuous hunt!