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Taking Names and Keeping Score
two weeks you know that our area has been experiencing a pattern of weather that has not been seen in these parts in many years. As a matter of fact I heard several older adults discussing the situation a couple of days ago and all of them referred back to the summer of 1954 as being the closest thing to what we are dealing with now. Even in comparing the two periods, all of them agreed that this summer has been worse. Not only have we had one the hottest summer periods on record but that coupled with the extreme drought we've experienced has made it almost unbearable. Of course we here in this area aren't the only ones with the problem as record temperatures and drought have hampered the entire Southeast. In Alabama alone the temperature gauges all over the state have surpassed the 100 degree mark numerous times over the past several days with Montgomery being just one of the locations that have set a record with eight straight days of triple digit temps. Beyond that, the forecast is for that record to be broken again and again as this week progresses and the 100 plus degree days continue. Even snakes who are much colder blooded than humans are doing their best to avoid the heat, choosing to lie in wait in the shade rather than sunning themselves. Of course another way to look at that is that they know their prey certainly will be hunting the shade rather than parading around in the open sunlight. Anyway you look at it, the weather we are having isn't fit for man or beast. Unfortunately, there are situations all around us where work and other activities on the outside can not be avoided and must continue despite the extreme conditions. That is obviously true in the world of work but includes the world of sports as well. Right now baseball teams from the professional level down to that of little league are in the last parts of their season with the Major Leagues set to continue their regular season through September with the playoffs and World Series moving on into October. At the same time football teams representing the NFL, colleges and high schools have begun preseason practice in anticipation of their 2007 seasons getting underway in a couple of weeks. With the conditions so extreme, workers as well as athletes are in danger of becoming dehydrated or suffering heat strokes. Because that is the case employers and coaches are saddled with the responsibility of making sure those who fall within their supervision get proper hydration during the outside activities and that precaution is taken to plan activities in such a way as to minimize the potential problems. Of course the individual bears some responsibility as well in that they must be conscious of the possible danger and take advantage of the coming on, they must alert those in charge. Although I don't remember any time in my athletic career when the temperatures were quite as bad as those we've experienced lately, I do remember some fall football practices when it felt like we were practicing in an oven. During those times there were days when I wasn't sure I would survive. To add insult to injury I played football in a period of time when the school of thought included water depravation as a critical part of getting a player in shape. Now I don't mean we never got any water but the breaks were few and far between. Thank heavens thinking like that went out with flower children and the psychedelic era. Taking everything into consideration and realizing that some activities need to continue despite the weather conditions, the only thing that can be done is to take the necessary precautions and push on through the circumstances.
Until next time.........be safe!
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