Marching band, in general, is a physical activity. It requires a certain level of strength, stamina, and skill -- and is physically demanding under the best of circumstances.

In Mississippi, our climate adds a completely new dimension to the marching band equation. The oppressive Mississippi summertime heat, coupled with our world-famous humidity, has the potential to cause some serious issues among those who are unprepared.

The Tupelo Band Staff is aware of the risks of rehearsing and performing in extreme heat and humidity. The staff is also educated on the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of heat illness.

We expect students to take HEAT SAFETY very seriously.

We expect PARENTS to communicate with their children about the importance of following all heat safety protocols.

HEAT SAFETY in the marching band activity can be boiled down (no pun intended) to FOUR areas:

#1 -- HYDRATION

WATER

is the recommended choice for hydration. There are several brands of "electrolyte water" on the market that are also great choices for hydration.

SPORTS DRINKS (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.)

are an acceptable choice, but should be avoided in large quantities because of their sugar content. Sports Drinks should NOT be used to re-hydrate an individual experiencing vomiting or diarrhea -- the sugar content could worsen the symptoms.

CARBONATED BEVERAGES

are a poor choice for hydration. Most contain two to three times the amount of sugar as a sports drink.

ENERGY DRINKS (Monster, Red Bull, Bang, etc.)

are DANGEROUS choices when consumed before or during periods of hot-weather exertion. Most energy drinks contain large quantities of sugar, caffeine, and taurine -- all of which can accelerate the onset of heat illness.

All students should PRE-HYDRATE by drinking 16 ounces of water two-three hours before an outdoor marching band rehearsal AND 8 additional ounces of water 15 minutes prior to rehearsal.

All students should intake a minimum of FOUR OUNCES (two big gulps) of water every 20 minutes of outdoor rehearsal.

All students should bring a minimum of ONE QUART (32oz) of water to each outdoor rehearsal.

All students should drink 16 ounces (one bottle) of water after each rehearsal. If the rehearsal was especially demanding or the temperature was extraordinarily extreme, then students should drink 32 ounces (two bottles) of water.

Students should monitor the color of their urine for signs of dehydration. Urine should be colorless or pale yellow (think: lemonade). Dark yellow urine suggests the beginning stages of dehydration. Orange/brownish urine is a sign that you ARE dehydrated and are at extreme risk for LIFE-THREATENING heat illness.

#2 -- NUTRITION

All students should eat a light breakfast on every rehearsal/performance day.

Avoid large quantities of DAIRY and SUGAR.

Choose foods high in fiber and protein.

Oatmeal, fruit juice, WATER, eggs, bacon, granola bars = YES

Sugary cereal, milk, doughnuts, cakes = NO

Lunch should be eaten as well.

Keep lunch on the "light" side. Avoid heavy, greasy food. Again, avoid dairy and sugar.

All students should eat a substantial, filling meal after rehearsal is finished for the day. Load up on protein and fiber. Reward yourself with ONE cookie or ONE scoop of ice cream. Pass on the big slice of cheesecake or the supersize milkshake.

#3 -- SUN PROTECTION

All students should wear:

High-SPF Sunscreen

Hat (wide, 360-degree brim is best)

Sunglasses

Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing

PLEASE: no jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, or jackets at 80+ degree band rehearsals!

#4 -- EDUCATION

Know the signs of heat illness and how to treat them.

First of all, know that PREVENTION is preferable to TREATMENT. Follow the

guidelines in areas #1 - #3 above and you should be just fine.