Monday, July 13, 2009

Virginia's Summer Heat & Humidity

We've had it good all spring and so far this summer, but Va's humidity is finally starting to creep in which can make riding a bike a whole lot more difficult!

70* can feel like 80, 80* like 90* & so on, but it's more than feeling hot, it's loosing your ability to keep cool through sweating. When it gets humid out, sweat no longer evaporates efficiently which leaves you feeling hot and threatens you with the possibly overheating.

A few tips for exercising in the heat & humidity.
~ Try to exercise before 10am and after 6pm during the summer.
~ Hydrate approximately an hour before the activity, every 15 minutes during the exercise. ,
~ Where light fabrics that dry fast & not cotton.
** Hydration can take day or two, so the best way to stay hydrated is to drink 8 -10 16oz glasses of water per day.
** Avoid over consuming caffeine, sugar and alcoholic drinks can increase fluid loss.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion - dizziness, weakness, nausea, cramping and vomiting - stop the activity, find some shade and drink water immediately. If symptoms continue, seek medical assistance at once.

For more detailed information, SEE Hydration.

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