Credit: iStock/AntonioGuillem Many sports enthusiasts around the globe have been focused on Paris as the 2024 Summer Games play out. Elite athletes in 329 medal events showcase their skill, talent and endurance with elegance, grace—and a whole lot of sweat. How do the best athletes in the world perform the amazing feats they do? Read … Continue reading How the Heat Affects Your Workouts and Your Body
heat stress
Celebrating the Role of Kidneys in Health and Wellness
Credit: iStock March is National Kidney Month. While you may not think about your kidneys on a daily basis, these organs are working around the clock to keep you healthy, hydrated and free of toxins. A wide variety of factors can affect kidney function, including heat stress and water pollution. However, the kidneys have an … Continue reading Celebrating the Role of Kidneys in Health and Wellness
The Physiology of Teaching and Learning
Credit: iStock Though the temperatures are still soaring in many areas of the country, you might be seeing the signs of school starting around you. School buses are on the streets, fresh notebooks and packs of pens are being placed front and center in stores. As you head into another year of teaching and learning, … Continue reading The Physiology of Teaching and Learning
Exercise and Water: Responsible Drinking in the Summer Heat
Wayne State University football players huddle on a hot day. Credit: Tamara Hew-Butler I’ve studied hydration for almost 20 years, mostly from the lens of overhydration. So, every time a coach or trainer instructs athletes to “stay hydrated” or “drink more water,” my heart sinks. Drinking too much water can cause brain swelling, which … Continue reading Exercise and Water: Responsible Drinking in the Summer Heat
Physiology and Climate Change: It’s Getting Hot in Here
Zac Schlader, PhD, talks about climate change at the American Physiology Summit. The condition we collectively refer to as “life” only exists in a narrow set of parameters. If the environment is too hot, the building blocks of life start to unravel and fall apart. If it’s too cold, physiologic liquids become solids—not good, considering … Continue reading Physiology and Climate Change: It’s Getting Hot in Here
Turning Up the Heat: Enjoying Summer When You’re Pregnant
Credit: iStock Pregnancy affects everyone, even if you’re very healthy. Pregnant people experience a wide variety of body changes to be able to accommodate growing a baby. You may have heard someone say they have an increased appetite, random pains or even feel hotter when they’re pregnant. An increase in body temperature is normal during … Continue reading Turning Up the Heat: Enjoying Summer When You’re Pregnant
Beat the Heat with a Wet T-Shirt
Credit: iStock The summer of 2020 will go down in history books because of the novel coronavirus pandemic but also possibly for record heat and humidity across much of the U.S. In some areas of the country, cooling centers and public pools may not be open due to public health concerns. Indoor gatherings are discouraged … Continue reading Beat the Heat with a Wet T-Shirt
Wild and Weird Ways Animals Keep Cool
Credit: iStock School is out, and temperatures are on the rise. It’s official: Summer has arrived. Staying cool is on everyone’s mind, but unlike people, most animals aren’t able to seek the comfort of air conditioning or even able to sweat! Here in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, horses, like humans, usually work up a … Continue reading Wild and Weird Ways Animals Keep Cool
Taking Tests in a Heat Wave is Not So Hot
You know the feeling: It’s like a sauna outside. Sweat pours down your face and body. You drink gallons of water and still can’t get cool. You don’t want to exert much physical effort. The dog days of summer are here, but with a heightened intensity. Record-breaking heat in the U.S.—with North Texas seeing triple … Continue reading Taking Tests in a Heat Wave is Not So Hot
In Hot Water
This week, the I Spy Physiology blog answers a reader question: Why do we get dizzy when getting out of a hot tub? There may not be a better way to chase away the winter "blahs" than soaking in the hot tub or standing under a steaming shower. However, sometimes, after a lengthy soak or … Continue reading In Hot Water