Training in the heat
Many people look forward to summer temperatures after several months of winter cold. People like to get outside and become more active as the temperature rises. As summer approaches, it becomes important to become acclimated and be adequately hydrated to avoid heat illness. This document will discuss physical adaptations to heat, hydration, and heat illness with treatment if necessary. As most people are aware, normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius and is influenced by environmental conditions and physical activity. During exercise, there is a rise in body temperature from increased blood flow and heat produced by muscle contraction. In response, heart rate is elevated to accommodate muscle contraction, but also to dissipate heat through the skin. Sweating is also initiated. During physical activity of sufficient intensity, the body may produce heat up to fifteen to twenty times greater than at rest. Approximately twenty-five percent of ener