Keeping Cool When The Weather Is Hot
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comment: As the temperature gets in to the upper 90’s and the heat index is well into the 100’s, the weather goes from being uncomfortable to deadly. Working or exercising in hot weather puts additional stresses on your body. The activity, temperature and humidity can all increase your core temperature causing serious health problems.
When you get hot, your body brings more blood to the skin which leaves less blood for your muscles which will increase the heart rate. When the humidity is high, your sweat doesn’t evaporate which also drives up your core temperature. Normally, your blood vessels, skin and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may not work if you’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, you sweat heavily, and you don’t drink enough fluids. The result may be a heat-related illness.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat syncope is the lightheaded feeling or fainting that occurs after exercise, standing for a long period of time or arising quickly from a seated position. Heat cramps are typically exercise induced causing the muscles to feel firm, but typically with normal temperature. Heat exhaustion is when your core temperature elevates up to 104° causing cold, clammy skin with associated nausea, vomiting, headache or weakness. The final illness is heat stroke. This is a life threatening condition. In this case the temperature is above 104°. Typically your skin will be dry with associated confusion, irritability, heart rhythm issues, vomiting or nausea. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent brain damage or death.
If you have a heat related illness, promptly begin cooling yourself off and hydrating. Cool wet towels or an ice pack on the head or under the armpits helps as does spraying water on your-self. You need to stop exercising or working and get into the shade.
Just remember to acclimate yourself to the heat, drink plenty of fluids, watch the temperature and dress appropriately.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
