How to Work Out Safely in the Summer Heat

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By Desula
User-Submitted Article

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Summer is here. An excellent time for exercise. Be warned that while it's a great time to work out extreme heat and humidity can be very difficult for your body.

Use the tips provided by this article to stay cool and avoid health issues with the heat.

Be safe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Common sense

Step 1

DANGER SIGNS - HEAT EXHAUSTION
When your body cools, sweat evaporates. Humidity prevents the sweat evaporating as quickly and can cause HEAT EXHAUSTION. Your body is too hot and you can become weak, get cramps, dehydrate, dizzy, confused along with an increased heart rate and headache. Cool down and slowly drink water
Step 2

DANGER SIGNS - HEAT STROKE
If the symptoms above are not addressed - you will become sicker, confused, passing out, vomiting, trouble breathing, skin that is dry and hot.

GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY
Step 3

PREVENTION - Before it gets that bad here are some tips on not getting that sick.

1 - Check with your doctor and make sure you're up for exercise
2 - Choose loose fitting exercise clothes, a poly/cotton blend is best
3 - Don't forget to protect your skin with sunscreen
4 - Drink lots of water. (Exercise more than an hour? Consider a sports drink with electrolytes)
5 - Exercise in early morning or later in the evening to avoid the sun at the most dangerous time
6 - Watch your local news and check the air quality and weather in your surroundings, if the temperature is over 90 degrees find a safe indoor workout or try working out in a local pool.