In the high heat of the summer, especially when you are exercising, your body temperature starts to climb. Your body has its own way of dealing with this problem. It sweats! Depending on how high your temperature begins to rise again, the sweating returns. This sweat-evaporate-sweat cycle can happen many times a day.
But watch out! If you push yourself too hard during Martial Arts practice on really hot days, you can become very sick. You may have:
cool, clammy, pale skin
a dry mouth
a weak, tired feeling
a headache
dizzy spells
muscle cramps
nausea, and sometimes vomiting
All of these signs may mean you are suffering from a problem known as heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion happens when your body loses an unusual amount of water and salt, mostly through sweating. (Ever noticed how sweat tastes salty?) If you notice the signs of heat exhaustion, get out of the heat, sip some cool liquids, and let an adult know. You should probably be seen by a doctor.
Luckily, it takes time for heat exhaustion to develop, and it can be prevented. Learn to:
Get out of the sun right away if you show any signs of heat exhaustion.
Avoid exercising at the hottest times of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the summer.
Shorten your exercise periods in temperatures higher than 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drink water, or sports drinks if you are sweating a lot.
Drink lots of liquids, even before you are actually thirsty. Don’t gulp, sip!
Avoid staying in closed, hot places.
Avoid caffeine; it speeds up fluid loss.
Try to cool off if you are feeling very hot.
Wear loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics, like cotton, so sweat can evaporate.
Wear a shady hat with vents.
Remember, the sun is a powerful thing. Use sunscreen, drink lots of fluids, and watch out for your friends and family! Stay cool!
Have Fun - Train Hard - Train Smart - Fightwize
Sensei Malcolm Bale
www.jiu-jitsu-calgary.com
This entry was posted
on Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 12:19 pm and is filed under Martial Arts.
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