Dont Let Your Health Go Downhill On The Slopes, Hydration Is 'Snow Laughing Matter

Snowshack.Com Adds Winterized Hydration Accessories To Its Online Offerings For Winter Sports Enthusiasts, Offers Advice For Staying Safe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steve Dubin, PR Works, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Dont Let Your Health Go Downhill On The Slopes,
Hydration Is 'Snow Laughing Matter
Snowshack.Com Adds Winterized Hydration Accessories To Its Online Offerings For Winter Sports Enthusiasts, Offers Advice For Staying Safe

DATELINE: DOVER, MA, ISSUED SEPTEMBER 2, 2002...Do serious drinkers make better skiers? Does drinking enhance the experience for snow boarders?

Of course," offers David Laidman co-founder of SnowShack.com, assuming that their beverage of choice is water-plenty of it-and they leave that other stuff for the après ski party back at the lodge."

Laidman and SnowShack.com co-founder George Hall, both passionate skiers, today announced the addition of two new winterized hydration systems and a campaign to educate the public of the threat dehydration poses for cold weather sports enthusiasts.

The new seasons offerings include CamelBak Systems hands-free hydration accessories, the SnoBowl and Zoid. Both systems feature neoprene-lined water delivery tubes that and Bite Valve cover to prevent water from freezing and incorporate a new zip harness" design that adds further insulation and conveniently positions the Bite Valve close to the mouth while drinking.

The new-for-2002 version of the SnoBowl can holds up to 50 ounces of fluids, but features a streamlined, low-profile design that can be comfortably carried over, or under, a jacket as well as in a backpack. The newly redesigned Zoid offers the same benefits, but is ideal for longer excursions with a 72-ounce capacity and a secure outer pocket for carrying such essentials as keys, money, lip balm, a compass or a map. Both products feature CamelBaks new OMEGA reservoir with a zippered compartment that makes the systems easy to fill and clean. A padded harness offers better comfort for users and the systems themselves come in a variety of attractive, vivid colors.

The SnoBowl and CamelBak are just two of the many winter sport accessories that can be purchased online at www.SnowShack.com. (ADD RETAIL PRICE IF DESIRED)

'WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE, BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK...
When the headlines scream Sweltering Summer Heat Wave!" no one needs to be reminded to replenish their fluid levels, particularly when they work out or exert themselves. But what happens in the winter?

Many people wrongly assume that dehydration is only a danger when the weather is hot or humid," Hall explained. But strenuous wintertime activities-such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and even snowmobiling-can pose just as much of a health risk for dehydration."

Cold, dry mountain air and high altitudes both deplete fluid levels. Add these factors to the loss of fluid from winter sports exertion and dehydration can set in quickly. Depletion affects not only muscle strength and stamina, but also alertness, mental acuity and sound judgment. Even an experienced navigator can lose all sense of direction and even the ability to read the simplest of maps. Panic typically sets in as mental capacity decreases. These effects pose an extremely dangerous combination in potentially treacherous environments.

SEASONS CHANGE, BUT NOT THE NEED TO REPLENISH FLUIDS
To be safe and healthy this winter, Laidman and Hall offer the following tips related to snow sport dehydration:

·   Start drinking before you go out and dont wait until youre thirsty. Remember, youre using more fluid than you realize and you should gradually replace it.

·   Use a water carrier that is comfortable, not cumbersome, and is ample enough to serve your hydration needs. For longer outings, make sure to carry additional water.

·   Drink what you need, when you need it, and never ration water, which can shortchange your body on the fluids it needs.

·   Water is far more important than food and the human body can go longer without nutrition than fluids. When dealing with a limited water supply, stick to a high-carbohydrate intake, as it requires less water to digest.

·   Be aware of, and keep track, your fluid intake. Dehydration causes the release of chemicals in the brain that can create euphoric sensations and actually trick the body into thinking it is no longer thirsty. A good strategy is to take small sips of water frequently, as opposed to building up a thirst and trying to quench it with large gulps. Be aware that you cannot always rely on your own senses to tell you when to drink.

·   Avoid using anything but water in your fluid reservoir. Other substances, such as sports drinks, can leave behind a sticky residue. Make sure to clean and rinse your fluid reservoir after every use to prevent the build-up of any bacteria.

ABOUT SNOWSHACK.COM

SnowShack.com started with a mission: to be the definitive website for all snow sport accessories and offer the broadest selection of brand name ski accessories available on the Internet (or anywhere else for that matter). Since that inception, co-founders George Hall and David Laidman have made Snowshack.com a top rated Yahoo site, receiving the coveted Five Star" top service award for its outstanding products, quick shipping and timely, helpful customer service. Offering a broad line of ski and snowsport accessories-including the largest selection of ski, boot, and travel/cargo/ luggage bags on the internet-SnowShack.com has also been lauded by a Safe Shopping Network Excellent Rating." SnowShack.com features real time availability of products and same day shipping when orders are placed by 12 p.m. EST.

Orders can be placed online at www.SnowShack.com or faxed to 508-785-0501. Customer service can also be reached by calling, toll free, 1-87-SnowShack (877-669-7422), or by emailing sales@snowshack.com.

SNOWSHACK.COM founders George Hall and David Laidman are riding the crest of the new snow wave. The frozen duo have developed THE most comprehensive source for snow sports gear (from butt protectors for snowboarders to ski blades to snow tubes to sleds to ski bags to helmets). George and David can provide insights from the front lines of commerce. They know what consumers are responding to and where the trends are going. They are articulate and media savvy.

George and David can be reached at either (Toll Free)87-SNOWSHACK (or 877-669-7422) or (508) 785-3242. Or email them at sales@snowshack.com. Or allow me to make all the arrangements for a phone briefing -- Steve Dubin, PR Works, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone.com