CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan --
Most Marines remember their first encounter with a hard-nosed, crossed-armed leatherneck sporting a campaign cover and his incessant concern with hydration. Entry-level Marines habitually drink nearly a dozen quarts of water on a daily basis during strenuous physical training. However, proper hydration is equally important to Marines once they hit the Fleet Marine Force.
Summertime on Okinawa brings tremendous temperatures and high humidity, increasing the need for proper hydration when engaged in outdoor activities.
"Because Okinawa is hot and humid, there is more of a necessity to hydrate than in other places, especially when the sun is out," said Seaman Charlie Tucker, hospital corpsman, 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Another reason Marines should increase their level of water intake is to compensate for the lost electrolytes and fluids during physical training, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonard Thomas, a hospital corpsman at Evans Medical Clinic on Camp Foster.
Staying hydrated also helps Marines get the most out of their workouts and prevents heat-related injuries.
Marines should begin hydrating several days prior to PT sessions in order to stave away heat-related illnesses. Which means, for many, hydration is a constant chore.
Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps are muscle cramps that occur during strenuous physical activities or prolonged work in a hot environment. Muscles may cramp, spasm or jerk involuntarily.
"Muscle cramps occur when you sweat excessively and don't replace the nutrients and sodium that the muscles have lost," Thomas said.
To treat heat cramps:
Stop all activity and sit in a cool place.
Drink water.
Seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside after an hour.
Wait a few hours after cramps subside to resume strenuous physical activity.
Heat exhaustion occurs after continuous exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing and cool and moist skin.
To treat heat exhaustion:
Drink cool water or sports drinks.
Rest in an air-conditioned environment or take a cool shower or bath.
If heat exhaustion remains untreated it can develop into heat stroke, a type of hyperthermia where the body is no longer able to maintain a normal temperature.
"Heat stroke is a real medical emergency and needs to get treated immediately," Thomas said. "If it's not treated it could result in brain damage or even death."
To treat heat stroke:
Stop all activity and move victim to shade.
Remove excess clothing.
Place ice packs under the victim's armpits and in the groin area.
Fanning the victim to promote sweating is also recommended.
Get medical assistance immediately.
While heat-related illnesses can be prevalent in a climate like Okinawa's, the easiest way to prevent it is by "staying hydrated," said Tucker. For more information about heat related injuries or proper hydration, refer to Marine Corps Order 6200.1E W/CH 1, "Marine Corps Heat Injury Prevention."