Avoid Overheating in New York.  The staff at Anderson Peak Performance wants you to stay healthy this summer by keeping yourself hydrated and avoiding overheating.  I have talked about running in the summer heat in a previous post, but now I want to talk about everyday health tips in hot summer weather.  This summer has proven to be record breaking and it is especially important to protect your health in these trying times.

During a severe heat wave the sidewalks in New York City can rise to a temperature of 120 degrees or higher.  Your choice of footwear can make a difference to your feet.  Vented shoes can help your feet dissipate their heat.  Flip Flops have a very thin sole and I do not recommend them due to lack of support!  Also, if your feet heat up take a break from walking and apply a cold compress or rinse with cool water.

Remember to keep your water intake to a minimum of two liters a day! In addition have you considered replenishing your electrolytes?  I  recommend Ultima Replenisher for your electrolyte needs.  Electrolytes are important for your health because they keep your body hydrated.  Coconut water also  has many electrolytes.  The following are natural electrolytes, look for them in any electrolyte enhanced drink.

• sodium (Na⁺)
• potassium (K⁺)
• chloride (Cl^-)
• calcium (Ca²⁺)
• magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• bicarbonate (HCO₃^-)
• phosphate (PO₄^2-)
• sulfate (SO₄^2-)

Are you a warrior who pushes through the heat and humidity to stay on your workout/running schedule?  Please pay attention to your body and make sure you are not pushing too hard.  Weather conditions may be outstripping your bodies ability to keep up.  When you strenuously exercise, you sweat out electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium.  It is important to keep the levels of electrolytes in your body constant.  Assess the conditions and add extra electrolytes when needed.  You may want to think about the benefits of an ice bath after your run.  An ice bath can help you to remove toxins from your body.

Have you thought of salt as the enemy?  It may not be the case for an athlete.  Sodium regulates the amount of water in your body and a moderate amount of salt is needed in your diet to keep your from developing low blood pressure.  If you are willing to run or strenuously exercise in brutal conditions, you owe it to yourself to have your doctor evaluate you for conditions that will effect your health in extreme situations.

Exercise indoors.  Find cool places to hang out.  Hit your local gym.   Many offer daily rates of under $20.  Have you thought about swimming on hot days?  New York  has many beaches, indoor pools and  public pools.  Equinox, New York Sports Club and the Rebok Club have great pools.   Utilize the vastness and beauty of Central Park.  Stroll through many of NYC’s  fabulous museums.  Check out a movie or some type of music or theater.

The choice of clothing affects your body on hot days.   Choose wicking materials for your socks, shorts and shirts.  This material can be found in all of the new sports and athletic gear.   I personally like Under Armor and Lululemon.  Wear a hat to keep your head from getting a sunburn.  Many people do not apply sunscreen  to their hair and a scalp sunburn will make it harder for your body to dissipate body heat.   Wear sunscreen because sunburn affects your body’s ability to regulate it’s temperature and that is important in these dog days of Summer.

Do you have children and are concerned about them in the summer heat?  This article from Parenting Magazine is worth reading at this link.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 212-581-5776.  Or follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Stay Cool and Well Hydrated!

Dr. A