We’re in the middle of the Summer scorching season here in Kansas. The highs this week have been well over 100 degrees! Staying safe and exercising in extreme heat conditions is something that everyone should be aware of. Consider your choice of activities wisely. Do you really need to go out for a run in the heat of the day? Or would an indoor workout be more advisable? If you exercise early, or later in the day it might be a little cooler, but you still need to be careful. (If cooler is 90 degrees instead of 105 – it’s still HOT!) Be sure to drink lots of fluids, and pay attention to the warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Your life depends on learning to listen to your body and NOT overdoing it in the heat!
Did you know that between 1979 – 2003 excessive heat exposure caused more deaths in the US than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined! Heat related injuries and deaths are preventable… Stay safe and be smart when exercising in extreme temperatures.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency that is fatal if not treated properly AND immediately.
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthemia – elevated body temperature. Normally the body dissipates heat through evaporation of sweat, but in extreme heat, high humidity, or physical exertion outdoors in the sun, the body may not be able to keep effectively regulate temperature. Extreme dehydration also reduces the ability of the body to sweat to dissipate heat and this can also cause body temperature to rise. Heat stoke can mimic the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and it’s possible to progress from heat exhaustion into heat stroke.
Become familiar with the warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke so you can stay safe, healthy, and avoid illness or death while you’re enjoying your summer exercising in the great outdoors.
Here is some great information about Extreme Heat, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
And here’s a great guide from the CDC for everything from heat stroke, to heat cramps, an sunburn. “Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.”
Enjoy whole-body health and participate in safe and appropriate activities when exercising in extreme heat or other weather conditions. Stay cool, stay healthy, and enjoy exercising indoors and out! Just be careful when temperatures rise. Listen to your body, exert less, or take your fitness program indoors (Pilates is always a great choice!)
Hi thanks for your views and suggestions to stay healthy and wealthy. Thank you for telling about heat stroke.