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All right, I admit it — I cheated. While you all were sweltering in the ridiculous heat wave a couple of weeks ago, I had escaped to Alaska. Cathy and Barry Beck of Benton, considered the “First Couple” among fly-fishers, were hosting a trip to a spectacular fishing camp along a world-class river one mile up-river from the mouth of the Bering Sea on Alaska’s west coast.
It was the run of silver (Coho) salmon from the ocean to their spawning grounds deep in the Alaskan interior. My dear wife, Mary, encouraged me to consider going on this trip as my 40th wedding anniversary gift from her. She didn’t have to say it twice! The camp was remote but comfortable. It’s remarkable how the folks at “Reel Action” were able to set up a very sophisticated tent camp with a large dining/ gathering area, kitchen, showers and hygiene facilities in the Alaskan bush. Generators ran during the day and Wi-Fi connected us to the world. The fishing was outstanding. I caught more than 240 salmon during the six days of fishing; all released to spawn upstream. Aches in muscles I haven’t used in months were easily ignored given the excitement of the fishing.
The travel was a chore. Avoca to Chicago. Overnight visit with Kate, Andy and Rowan. Six and a half hours from Chicago to Anchorage. Another hour and a half on a real plane to Bethel, Alaska. Finally 30 minutes across thawed tundra in a seven-seater.
It was great to see Rowan during the brief Chicago interlude. I felt sorry though for three pregnant woman I encountered during my travels. The heat was oppressive at the start of the trip and they were not comfortable!
Summer heat can be uncomfortable for everyone, but it can take a greater toll on expectant moms. A pregnant woman’s body temperature is already higher than normal and summer weather can be a real trial.
Expectant moms should pay attention to the heat index—the temperature it feels when combining the actual temperature and humidity. If the heat index is in the 90s, you should stay indoors with the air-conditioner turned on. Staying within a consistent temperature range is a good practice. Avoid going from outdoor heat to indoor air conditioning and back again, as your body has to work harder to adjust to wide temperature swings.
Taking a cool shower or bath or keeping a cool, damp washcloth on the forehead and back of the neck can also keep your body temperature down.
Try to avoid being outside during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If possible, run errands or exercise in the mornings and evenings. And, always wear sunblock with at least 30 SPF.
Stay hydrated—remember, if you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink plenty of water—even more than normal—and if you’re perspiring heavily, consider drinking sports drinks (watch the sugar!) to replace electrolytes that are sweated out of the body.
Stay in the shade as much as possible and stay away from wearing dark colors, which absorb the heat. Wear light-colored, cotton fabrics and avoid clothing that is constricting.
Finally, watch your diet. Eating spicy foods may cause you to break out in a sweat, and foods with high sodium content may cause excess swelling and bloating. If your feet are swelling, elevate them.
Following these tips can help you to beat the heat and allow you to get back to the excitement of awaiting your baby’s arrival.
The relief on the faces of two of the soon-to-be moms when they arrived in Anchorage to temperatures in the 60s was lovely to see; one was actually looking for a sweater.
