Summer arrives and with it high ambient temperatures of more than 30° as well as an exceptional sunny climate characteristic of the country. Although children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases are the most at risk to their health during the heat, adults who exercise can also be exposed to certain risks if a series of essential measures are not taken into account. By Physical Education teachers Matías González and Vicente Soto Mari.
During physical activity, body temperature increases due to the heat released by muscle contractions. This increase is compensated by thermoregulatory actions of the body such as sweating or increased blood flow to the skin to slow down and reduce the increase in body temperature.
However, when physical activity is combined with a hot environment, dangerous increases in body temperature, as well as dehydration, can cause a series of physiological changes and problems in the body that, in the case of not being able to compensate and not getting a drop in temperature could lead to anything from simple dizziness to a coma or even death.
recommendations
When doing physical activity, we must take into account doing it at appropriate times where temperatures are lower, for example: Early in the morning, or late in the day.
If you carry out physical activity in closed places, for example, gyms, these must be ventilated and fresh.
Physical activity must be carried out with light, loose clothing, preferably cotton and light colors.
Stay well hydrated, regardless of whether or not there is a feeling of thirst.
Promote and incorporate water activities as much as possible, for example; Aquagym and swimming.
NdR: Article published in the Educational Material of Icarus Centro de Salud & Longevidad, February 2023, assigned for publication in AIM.