From the Editor

We can all agree that golfers have a lot on their minds during a typical round of golf. Between the good shots, the bad shots, and maybe a few drinks, a medical emergency probably isn’t top of mind. I know it wasn’t for me.

During a recent round of golf, one of my regular playing partners started displaying some unusual symptoms. Dizziness and an odd feeling in one leg led us to cut the round short and he went to the hospital.

It turns out he had a minor stroke. There are no lasting repercussions, so he was lucky.

Things like strokes and heart attacks are problematic on the golf course. In fact, a recent study showed that 95% of all heart attacks on the links prove fatal, simply because of response time and the difficulty in getting paramedics out onto the course where the attack occurred.

Did I mention that golf courses are the fifth most common locations for strokes and heart attacks to occur?

So what should you look for? Dizziness or disorientation is a place to start. Heart attacks are typically accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and tightness that can spread from the chest to arms and shoulders. Strokes, on the other hand, can be tipped off by difficulty speaking, numbness in the face or extremities, and sudden confusion. Any combination of these symptoms should result in a call to 911 for medical assistance.

Is this something you want to worry about while you’re out playing? Probably not. But it’s hard to collect on a golf bet when you’re buddy’s in the hospital!

Kris Fay

Owner - NW Golf Adventures