THIS ARTICLE IS Republished from Conversation under one License of invention.
When summer begins with a sweltering heat wave, as more places will see it by 2024it can pose a risk to anyone who spends time outside, whether they are joggers, people who walk or cycle to work, people who work outdoors, or children who play sports.
Susan Yearginan expert in heat-related illnesses, explains what people should think about before going out during a heatwave and how to keep themselves and vulnerable family members and friends safe .
What are the risks of exercising outside?
The time of day is important if you’re jogging or if you’re walking or cycling to work during a heatwave. People who get up early or jog in the evening face less risk – the sun is not so hot and the air temperature is lower.
But if your normal routine is to run mid-morning or through lunch, you might want to rethink exercising in the heat.
Pretty much everywhere in America, The hottest time of the day is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The body will receive heat from both air temperature and solar radiation. The ground also heats up so you will feel more heat rising from the asphalt or grass.
Add moisture for the mixture and that will also affect the body’s ability to dissipate heat through sweat.
Don’t forget that the body also generates internal heat when you’re active, whether you’re running or even mowing the lawn. When the outside temperature is warm to hot, you will increase your ability to absorb heat through that exertion. The harder someone runs or cycles, the more heat they generate.
People who work outdoors on farms, construction sites, or even walking their dogs often experience higher temperatures and have less flexibility during breaks.
Does our body adapt to the summer heat?
It takes about two weeks so that the average person is completely acclimated to higher temperatures. During that time, your body will have incredible adaptations to handle the heat.
Your Sweat rate is improved, heat dissipation is more effective. Your plasma volume increases so more blood pumps through your body, so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Because your cardiovascular system works more efficiently, your body doesn’t heat up as much. You also retain salt a little better, which helps you retain water in your body.
