Health Tips for Mascots

As you will see we all seem to have differing opinions on what works and what doesn't. Two 
factorswill always remain the same:

1. You're wearing a costume that heats your body in an unnatural state.
2. Your body is going to want to cool itself down in a natural fashion.

If you have the desire to be a long-term mascot you will learn to tolerate the heat longer as you perform more and more. Your body will build up a tolerance for the heat by reacting the natural cooling process. Research and learn what is best for your body, not only here, but with your doctor and/or trainer.

What MascotSpeak Members have to say:
"You can only absorb about a quart of water every hour fifteen minutes..and you can sweat in a suit faster than that. so hydrate starting three days before. Drink little sips all day spread out throughout the day. Not all at once if you drink to much at once you'll flush it all. (thats why your pee will be clear if you guzzle.not because you're maxxed but because youre flushing everything) Urine should be lemonade in color. Try some frozen ice packs....and most importantly pace your recovery and try some (tons) potato
chips after. Chips are high in potasium and sodium, the two things you'll lose quickly (almost as much as glucose). You might also wanna try some "GU" or "powergel" energy gels (with water)they even have 'em with caffeine added. Coolmax t-shirt might help too. Wet cotton actually traps the heat. I was a PE major and pro triathlete in college days." - runfatpat

"As to your question on the list about Camelbacks, I have one, and only use it for parades or other 'non-active' events. I find that it's very concealable, and if you freeze the water or gatorade beforehand, it melts with your bodyheat and keeps you cool. I wouldn't recommend it for any events where you are active though, as it does get in the way, especially when tumbling." - Kidsimba

"What I find works best for me in this humidity that I have to deal with, is water, water, water and water. After my events or appearances, to help replenish I drink (no laughing) V-8! It has all the salt, potassium, and other vitamins that you lost. I used to make up some mornings feeling really run down and dead dog tired. Then I started with the V-8 and really have not had a problem since. " - Iggy

"Ironman research found that diluted Gatorade is best. The straight out of the bottle stuff takes longer than water to assimilate, but you really do need the extra stuff. As for bulking up on potasium, you can't. A good part of the cramping you might feel the day after a hot appearance is partially the loss of potasium from your muscles. (you can't putit in your muscles before you deplete it) Try potatoes (chips have potasium and the salt you need too) and bananas to replenish. Also dont drink more than the quart an hour formula, you will again flush most of it. To cool down youre better to ice or water doen the back of your neck, behind your ears, back of your knees and ankles." - Runfatpat

"One Thing about the dehydration factor: Not only is it important to drink water, gatorade etc. But it as just as important WHEN to drink- before, during, and after performing... especially before. I've never passed out in costume, but I've come close twice (both during parades) and both times I realized that I made a bad judgement in NOT getting any fluids before the appearance. My personal favorite combo is either half H2O and Lemonade or half H2O and All-Sport. Straight sports drinks tend to get REAL yucky if you consume them by the gallon. " - Oriole Bird

"I used an ice vest once. It was just extra weight and made Chuck look way to bulky on top of my actual size." - Rapid T Rabbit

On Food:
"I'd have to say my favorite thing to eat before a performance is a box of Macaroni and Cheese... I mean the whole box. Normally that many carbs would knock me out for hours but in the suit you are constantly burning energy, and that much pasta keeps me going. Plus it's a cheap excuse to eat my favorite food." Libby

"However, when homecoming or other long weekends in costume come around, I like to 'Carbo-load' on pasta's and breads half of the week. And drink alot!!! (of water) I guess my only trick is Power Bars about an hour before the event. I just try to remember to eat them for what they will do, not for the taste. - SpartyMSU

"I like to eat wheat thins before a game. They are filling, but they aren't very heavy so I don't feel like throwing up after five minutes in the suit. Also on game days all I will drink is water until right before the game. After games I always go to Subway." - Bearcat

On Fans:
"as far as fans go. I am a firm believer that it's more of a mental thing. I had a fan in "Ballapena" for a short period of time. The problem I had was that it was basically just recirculating the hot air. When you're working outside in 95 degree temps, with a humidity level of 75%, the fan is just sucking in hot air and moving the hot air in the costume. I did get to thinking, if the fan was in reverse, in essence you would be expelling the hot air in the costume. I don't know if in fact this would work or not. As far as Ice Vest. Been there done that. They are "okay" for short periods of time. But once again, if outside in extreme temps, the lasting time is drasticly shorten, and now you are carrying around extra weight. The best usage of the vest, is with a wet t-shirt. A wet t-shirt gets cooler quicker and the effect of the vest is great! But keep in mind, they are not designed to work in extreme heat. I not a mathamatician, heck, I can't even spell it, but your body heat is in the neighborhood of 97 degrees. Now the temp, for those of us lucky enough to be in the south is 95. Not to mention the trapping of the air in the costume, along with the increase in body temps due to movement. I figure it's got to be somewhere in the range of 120 - 140. Anyone ever do a real studyon this? In summary, it's up to the performer with what they feel is the best for them. If you need the mental idea that it's cooler, great!   Remember, if your'e comfortable, you are more likely to have more fun. If you are having more fun, then your performance is better. If your performance is better, then our "valued" customers (fans, not battery operated) get entertained.": - Iggy