As hot sunny days become the norm in New Hampshire again, it becomes easy to forget the health risks associated with outside cardiovascular activity.
Our bodies are finely engineered machines that during summertime exercise strive to shed unwanted heat by increasing blood flow to the skin and by sweating. During hot, humid days, perspiration is not an effective means of cooling the body, as saturated air does not evaporate efficiently and at the speed required by runners.
In an effort to stay fit, I take a 10 km run per day. Wearing light coloured clothes and carrying a 750 mL water bottle I felt well prepared for a mid-day run on Sunday. With temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity climbing do to encroaching thunderstorms, I kept pushing on. Having finished my bottle of water and being without spare change, I was desperate for some hydration. I felt the effects of a heat-related illness. As I passed by the Yellow Sub takeout, I asked the owner if I could refill my bottle of water. He very graciously helped. I am very thankful for the Yellow Sub in west Concord.
With summer here it is critical to avoid heat strokes and cramps, as they could potentially be deadly. Run with plenty of water, especially a electrolyte-fortified sports drink, make a habit of drinking copious amounts of water, along with maintaining a good electrolyte balance. If you are just getting back into shape, acclimate to the conditions, by working out in the mornings or evenings.
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Our bodies are finely engineered machines that during summertime exercise strive to shed unwanted heat by increasing blood flow to the skin and by sweating. During hot, humid days, perspiration is not an effective means of cooling the body, as saturated air does not evaporate efficiently and at the speed required by runners.
In an effort to stay fit, I take a 10 km run per day. Wearing light coloured clothes and carrying a 750 mL water bottle I felt well prepared for a mid-day run on Sunday. With temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity climbing do to encroaching thunderstorms, I kept pushing on. Having finished my bottle of water and being without spare change, I was desperate for some hydration. I felt the effects of a heat-related illness. As I passed by the Yellow Sub takeout, I asked the owner if I could refill my bottle of water. He very graciously helped. I am very thankful for the Yellow Sub in west Concord.
With summer here it is critical to avoid heat strokes and cramps, as they could potentially be deadly. Run with plenty of water, especially a electrolyte-fortified sports drink, make a habit of drinking copious amounts of water, along with maintaining a good electrolyte balance. If you are just getting back into shape, acclimate to the conditions, by working out in the mornings or evenings.
___________________________
M. Soper, 'Beware of the risks that come with hot weather'. Concord Monitor. 9 June 2013 <http://www.concordmonitor.com/community/town-by-town/concord/6935582-95/letter-beware-of-the-risks-that-come-with-hot-weather>.
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