WHEN JACK FROST BITES One man’s encounter with cold reality

Every once in a while we are given the gift of getting to know an extraordinary individual. In this case, the individual is Mike Lynn. During a cross-country trek last February Mike found himself benighted in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. As the night grew longer, the temperatures plummeted to –30F.  Mike dug in and waited for rescue. Rescue did not come that night. In fact, he ended up spending two nights and one day out in –30F weather. Eventually, Mike was rescued, and since then I have had the delightful opportunity to get to know him as he has progressed through the long recovery process from frostbitten feet.

January/February 2004   ISSN-1059-6518   Volume 17, Number 1

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The Performance Triad; The Critical Balance of Hydration, Nutrition, and Pacing

Ever since the running boom of the seventies,

and the interest in endurance sports became part of popular culture, the search for the “magic” potion, supplement, or nutrition bar has created a dizzying number of choices for the athlete and outdoors person who is looking for a way to get the most from themselves either in competition, outdoor adventures, or both. The crossover aspect of fitness and wild pursuits is more prevalent today than ever, and as a result, the desire to blend the two activities has been expressed by a growing number of wilder competitions: wilderness-based stage races, 12- and 24-hour races in wild settings, and the like. Today, the endurance athlete and the long distance hiker, the mountain biker, mountaineer, and backcountry skier/boarder, all begin to share common goals—peak human performance in an increasingly wild environment. Success in these pursuits carries with it the necessity to balance three components: proper hydration, nutrition, and perhaps the most elusive, pacing.

 

November/December 2003     ISSN-1059-6518     Volume 16 Number 6

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PAIN CONTROL IN MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

September/October 2003   ISSN-1059-6518    Volume 16 Number 5

PAIN CONTROL IN MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

Frank Hubbell, DO

The pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries is caused by swelling or direct stimulation of pain receptors.  Swelling causes distention of tissues thus stimulating stretch pain receptors.  Swelling is also an inflammatory response, and with it comes the production of various inflammatory chemical mediators, such as prostaglandin, that directly and indirectly stimulate pain receptors. Pain control can be achieved by several mechanisms:  minimizing swelling, preventing the production of prostaglandin, or blocking the nerve receptors responsible for pain.

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MUSCULOSKELETAL TRAUMA Part 3

This is the third and final article in this series on Musculoskeletal Trauma. The first article reviewed injuries to the skull, face, spine, and pelvis. The second reviewed injuries to the extremities. This article will review orthopedic emergencies and dislocations. The material in this series applies directly to providing care in the wilderness or extended care environment beyond the “golden hour.”

September/October 2003    ISSN-1059-6518    Volume 16 Number 5

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