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
Heat Stroke
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
Physiology Helps You Protect Your Health
American Physiology Summit attendees listen to research findings presented at the meeting. Scientists who study physiology gathered in Long Beach, California, last week for the inaugural American Physiology Summit—a brand-new conference dedicated to sharing discoveries on the cutting edge of bioscience. Studies highlighted at the Summit span from the effect of cannabis extracts on blood … Continue reading Physiology Helps You Protect Your Health
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
How Our Body Stays Cool in the Heat and What Changes as We Age
In the past several decades, heat waves have been occurring more frequently, with a recent major heat event breaking temperature records in Europe. When people don’t have access to air conditioning, fans or simply a shady spot, the extremely high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the elderly. While young adults are more able to … Continue reading How Our Body Stays Cool in the Heat and What Changes as We Age
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
Here Comes the Sun (and the Heat)
Summer is in full swing, and with a near-peak number of daylight hours, chances are good that there is still plenty of light left to enjoy once your workday is done. Before you get outside and bask in the sun and heat, check out these I Spy posts that explain how your body responds to … Continue reading Here Comes the Sun (and the Heat)
Out in the Sun? Think about Your Kidneys!
When your body gets overheated, it responds in several ways as it races to cool you back down and prevent serious health problems. Heat stress is when your internal body temperature rises above the normal range of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This triggers physiological responses geared toward maintaining normal body temperature. Our internal body … Continue reading Out in the Sun? Think about Your Kidneys!
Putting Out Fires Hurts Firefighters’ Hearts
As the temperature outside rises, our bodies make adjustments to keep our internal temperature constant to prevent us from overheating through a process called thermoregulation. This includes bodily functions such as sweating and widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation). When we sweat, perspiration evaporates from our skin to cool us down. When the blood vessels under … Continue reading Putting Out Fires Hurts Firefighters’ Hearts
What Happens during Heat Stroke and How to Prevent It
Temperatures in July and August 2016 were the hottest ever recorded on the planet and much of the U.S. is still struggling with a heat wave. Hundreds of heat-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year, and these rates are on the rise. Awareness of when the body is losing the ability to deal with … Continue reading What Happens during Heat Stroke and How to Prevent It