Summer 2011 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

The Hay Lakes lunch stop, hosted by the Hay Lakes and District Lion’s Club, is buzzing with hungry cyclists on day two of
the RONA MS Bike Tour – Leduc to Camrose.
Keeping the cyclists happy, fed and energized
Hay Lakes Lion’s Club plays vital role in RONA MS Bike Tour
For over 10 years, The Hay Lakes
and District Lion’s Club has been an
extremely active volunteer group
with the MS Society of Canada. Working
with the RONA MS Bike Tour – Leduc
to Camrose, they’ve been the lunch site
sponsor along the route at the agriplex
in Hay Lakes, Alberta. “We try and have
keep yourself well hydrated by drinking
plenty of fluids, especially cold, icy drinks.
Water is the best option, unlike caffeinated
drinks as they act as a diuretic.
Probably the most recommended and
beneficial strategy to beat the summer
heat while exercising is to pre-cool. Precooling
increases the length of time it
takes for the core body temperature to
rise. One option is to get into a bathtub of
cool water that is comfortably lukewarm
to start and continue to add cooler
water over a period of 20 – 30 minutes.
Submersion of the upper body in cool
water will provide the ideal benefit. If
you do not like taking a bath, have a
cool shower instead. Also remember
about 15 to 20 volunteers out there,”
says William (Bill) Savorn, President of
the Hay Lakes and District Lion’s Club.
Bill is a dedicated volunteer with the MS
Society, not only because his family has
been affected by MS, but also because
he enjoys giving back to the community.
“Whenever a Lion’s Club gets together,
that once you are finished your activity
or exercise you should cool down. It’s a
known fact that a cold shower or a swim
in tepid water is a faster way of getting
your temperature down than sitting in
an air-conditioned room whether precooling
or post-cooling.
It is important to note that sensitivity
to heat does not just happen in the
summer. You can also overheat in the
winter if a room is too hot or humid. So,
the suggested strategies can be used
all year around. Remember, don’t be
discouraged by the heat of the summer
months. Find those strategies that work
best for you, because you can beat the
heat and be active now! For additional
ideas on beating the heat while being
active, contact the MS Society by phone
(1-800-268-7582) or email (active@
mssociety.ca).
problems get smaller and communities
get better,” says Bill. “That’s because we
help where help is needed – in our own
communities around the world – with
unmatched integrity and energy.”
Cyclists come to Hay Lakes for a
quick break after a grueling morning on
their bikes and the Hay Lakes and District
Lion’s Club enthusiastically greets the
bike tour participants and ensure that
the cyclists are well fed and having the
best day possible. “We help to set up the
lunch site, unload the food, and make the
lunch run as smooth as possible,” says
Bill. The Hay Lakes and District Lion’s
Club’s passion for helping others with a
smile is far from unnoticed.
The Hay Lakes and District Lion’s
Club has been the back bone for the
lunch stop on day two of the bike tour
year after year, going above and beyond
to help make this stop on the event
possible. “The Hay Lakes Lion’s Club
is an enthusiastic group that will help
with anything and everything on event
day,” says Keltie Tichkowsky, Bike Tours
Manager with the MS Society, Alberta
and Northwest Territories Division.
“They’re passionate about the cause and
we can’t thank them enough for all they
do.”
MS Connections Summer 2011 9