Staying Healthy at Hoopfest

It’s that time again in the Northwest, and people from all over the state, country and world are flocking to Spokane for the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Earth.

Whether you’re playing, cheering, or just wandering around with tens of thousands of other fans, here’s a few tips to keep your weekend cool.

  • H2O, Baby. Even though we aren’t expecting outrageous heat, hydration is always key. Between 10 and 12 glasses a day works for most people and you should drink more when you’re active.
  • Hoopfest is filled with chili dogs, sugary drinks, and deep fried everything. Even if you aren’t there as an athlete, you’ll be more able to maneuver through the crowd without the extra weight of junk food dragging you down. Try a granola bar, fresh fruit, nuts, and other lean proteins to keep you going all day.
  • Just chill out. Competition related stress is common among athletes and fans (think Soccer Mom fights on the sidelines) and like all stress, it raises blood pressure and limits decision making ability. So before you chuck a ball at a ref, or yell at your friend for blocking your view of the game winning shot, stop and breathe. Ten deep breaths will give your brain the extra oxygen it needs to analyze the situation and the time for others to cool down too.

Now get out there and have a great weekend!

About healthyteensproject

Healthy Teens Project helps teens in Washington state access low cost and free health coverage including medical, dental, vision, mental health, sexual health, and substance abuse treatment. We provide resources and training to agencies and schools under a federal contract with DSHS.
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