Did you know that the human body has about three million sweat glandsSweating cools your body when water on the skin is removed by evaporation. Unfortunately, when hot weather is coupled with high relative humidity, your body’s cooling system doesn’t work as well because humidity slows evaporation. Other factors also impact your body’s ability to cool, including sunburn, weight, age, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, and the effects of certain medications.
Viewer Tip: Hot weather can put extra stress on your body. When the temperature rises, keep these simple tips in mind to beat the heat:
- Take it Slow: Reschedule outdoor exercise and other strenuous activities for the coolest times of day - early morning or evening – and spend time in air-conditioned buildings.
- Dress Appropriately: Light colors and lightweight fabrics reflect heat and sunlight, helping to keep you cool.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps keep your body cool.
- Lend a Hand: Infants and young children (up to four years old) are especially sensitive to heat. Older individuals (65 years and older) may not compensate for heat as efficiently as younger people, and are not as likely to sense or respond to changes in temperature. Check on family members and friends frequently to make sure they stay safe and healthy.
Season: Summer
(Sources: USA Today. “Sweating is one way to keep your cool.” May 20, 2005. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/basics/sweating-cools.htm; NOAA National Weather Service. “Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer.” Available from: http://www.weather.gov/os/heat/heat_wave.shtml; Centers for Disease Control: Extreme Heat. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp)
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