take the necessary precautions to keep your body temperature down.

Whether you're a spectator, a vendor or a team member, trying to stay comfortable during the usually very hot two-day game can sometimes be quite a chore.

Many people feel hot just looking at the players in their long pants and V-neck sweater vests but the good thing is that their uniforms are white -- a colour that is cool and does not attract the sun.

In an aim to keep their brows dry, many spectators arrive on the field with their "old faithful'' hand towel either thrown over the shoulder or hanging out of a straw bag.

A splash of Limacol to the face and body is also a refreshing substitute to a dive in the ocean on a hot day.

But, most importantly, keeping your body hydrated with liquids is key and that does not mean alcoholic beverages. They do not quench your thirst.

According to Government Nutritionist Betsy Baillie, water is an essential nutrient for your body.

"Your body continually loses water through normal body functions namely respiration (breathing), evaporation (through the skin) and urination.

"These losses add up to two-and-a-half to three quarts of fluid a day. Losses can be greater when it is hot and/or you are exercising strenuously,'' Mrs.

Baillie said.

She also said that to replace this lost water you should consume 80 to 100 ounces of fluids daily. Most people only drink five to six glasses (40 to 48) a day.

"Thirst is a reliable guide to water needs, although the thirst signal has a tendency to cut off before your body has had all it needs,'' Mrs. Baillie said.

She added: "So it is always a good idea to drink beyond the thirst-quenching point. Your body can always get rid of extra water, but it cannot function properly if you do not get enough.

"Dehydration results with an inadequate water intake. It is estimated that a reduction of four to five percent body water will result in a 20 to 30 percent decline in work performance.'' Former member of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade Walter Brown said the brigade is on stand by for Cup Match on both days to help with any health related incidents pertaining to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"To deal with dehydration for a mild case we get the person in the shade and give them water via a wet sponge or towel because it is easier to control the intake of fluids. That way if they were to go unconscious you do have a cup of water in their throat.

"Heat stroke is the more serious. When dealing with a person suffering from heat stroke you try and get them in the shade and cool them down as quickly as possible,'' Mr. Brown said.

He added: "If it is a serious case the individual would have to be transported to the hospital because there is only so much you can do out on the field.

"At Cup Match there are quite a few diabetics, people who are dehydrated or pregnant who get into trouble.'' During Cup Match most people who attend the game all day stock up on some shading whether it be via tarpaulin, umbrellas or both.

Staunch supporters set up a camp to shade them from the heat -- filling it with chairs, lots of drinks and, of course, picnic-style food.

Shawn Thomas, who will be running the Jamaican Grill stand at Cup Match, offering a wide arrange of West Indian dishes, said the best way to stay cool is to have the right spot.

"Our stall is situated between two big trees so we get a lot of shade. We also try to build a high roof so the breeze can pass through. And we try to keep the stall as spacious as possible because if it is too tight it makes it hotter,'' Mr. Thomas said.

He added: "I also drink an excessive amount of water throughout the day and I try to dress as cool as possible wearing something white and light.'' Snowy's snowball stand employees have it easier than other stands for the mere reason that they are handling ice on a regular basis. What better way to cool down.

Wherever this particular stand is it always attracts lengthy lines.