Beat the Heat, and The Air Conditioning
Monday, September 1, 2008 17:30Here in the SF Bay Area in California, we’re enjoying our annual Indian Summer. When late summer arrives, the fog on the bay rolls away and the temperature’s hot and drier than usual. It’s 80 degrees in my cool kitchen, and all my blinds are closed so the sun can’t heat up my work space like a green house.
Warmth can be a great healer, but extreme heat can also shock the body and make it harder for us to function normally. When you get dehydrated, your body can’t move as well and you can get stiff and sore. Your best way to feel healthy is to drink lots of water, eat healthy foods and watch out for dehydration.
Of course, extreme dehydration caused by lots of activity can cause lots of more serious problems as well — fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness, even heart attacks. Be careful not to over do it in the heat!
On the other hand, many offices also try to compensate for the outdoor heat by turning up their air conditioning to uncomfortably cold temperatures. That can be just as unhealthy, because it also dries out the air, which can dry out your body and lungs too. So it’s important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water even if you’re in an air conditioned building. If it feels chilly, you can drink warm tea and wear gloves when you type.
Stay hydrated, healthy and enjoy the sunshine!
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