Living in South Florida during the summer months can pose a challenge while trying to exercise outdoors. The heat and humidity can make activity difficult, or even dangerous if you do not pay attention to your body’s reaction to the increased temperatures. The following tips can help you to stay safe, and keep cool while participating in your favorite sports.
- Get out Early or Late: Outdoor temperatures reach their highs in the mid afternoon hours, so it is best to avoid prolonged physical activity at this time. The morning temperatures are usually 10 degrees cooler and more conducive to exercise.
- Stay Hydrated: During the summer months we tend to perspire more to help cool the core temperature. It is important to replace lost fluids to prevent dehydration, which can lead to heat related illness. It is recommended to drink continuously, before, during and after activity. Using a sports drink that contains electrolyte also helps if you tend to sweat profusely.
- Cover up: Keeping the sun off of your skin not only prevents sun burns but also helps to keep you cooler. By wearing clothing with sufficient coverage, and moisture wicking materials, the perspiration is drawn away from the skin which aids in cooling. Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF greater than 30 on exposed skin, and reapply often as sweat will wash sunscreen off of your skin.
- Pay Attention: If you start to feel light headed or dizzy during exercise, you may be starting to feel the effects of heat related illness. It is best to stop activity at this point and seek a cool spot to relax and hydrate. If you continue to exercise and you stop perspiring completely, you have reached a dangerous point and should seek professional attention immediately.
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