Medical Disclaimer

This is not medical advice

All content on calculateoutdoors.com — articles, calculators, tables and recommendations — is general educational information. It is not medical advice, does not constitute the practice of medicine, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship.

Nothing here should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or other licensed health provider with any question regarding a medical condition, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you read here.

Emergencies

If you believe you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Any confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, irrational behaviour, collapse or loss of consciousness in a person exerting in heat should be treated as heat stroke. Begin aggressive cooling — cold water immersion where possible — and call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for skin to become dry; in exertional heat stroke the person is frequently still sweating.

Calculator limitations

The calculators on this site implement simplified models. They cannot account for your individual physiology, medical conditions, medications, fitness level, hydration status, or the specific conditions where you are standing.

• Vitamin D estimates cannot substitute for a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement, which is the only way to determine your actual status. Do not begin supplementation based on a calculator.
• Hydration estimates are population-derived. Both under-drinking and over-drinking carry serious risk, and exercise-associated hyponatraemia can be fatal.
• Daylight calculations do not account for terrain, cloud or obstruction, all of which can end usable light substantially earlier than calculated.
• Energy estimates carry an error band of roughly 10 to 25 percent for an individual.

Consult a clinician before

Beginning vitamin D supplementation. Beginning deliberate cold exposure, particularly with any cardiovascular condition, uncontrolled hypertension, or during pregnancy. Making significant changes to sun exposure with a history of skin cancer, a photosensitivity condition, or while taking photosensitising medication. Beginning or substantially increasing exercise in heat with any cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic condition.

Assumption of risk

Outdoor activity carries inherent risk of serious injury and death. You are solely responsible for assessing conditions, your capability, and your decisions.