Strategies for Maintaining Safety During Summer Exercises
Adults should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity physical activities. Such activities can consist of tasks like brisk walking, cycling, playing basketball, swimming, and more physically demanding household chores like lawn mowing and vacuuming, also known as functional fitness. But is it safe to engage in such activities during extreme heat conditions?
What temperature is too hot for outdoor exercise? Is it advisable to exercise outdoors at specific times of the day? Should children or senior citizens take extra precautions in hot weather? What about those with heart and kidney problems or on certain medications?
In order to remain healthy and safe during the summer heat, I spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness analyst for CNN. She is an emergency physician and a clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Before her current role, she was Baltimore's health commissioner.
CNN: What precautions should people consider before working out in the summer?
Wen: Summer offers a great opportunity to get some exercise outdoors, but as temperatures reach dangerous levels, individuals should be mindful of heat-related illnesses. I would recommend checking the weather forecast before engagements in outdoor physical activities. If a heatwave is anticipated, avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day and instead opt for morning or evening sessions. If the day and night will be unbearably hot, avoid working out outdoors entirely.
CNN: What issues could come up if people push themselves too hard outdoors in extreme heat?
Wen: Prolonged outdoor work or exercise during hot weather can result in symptoms of heat exhaustion such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. When this occurs, seek shelter in a cool and air-conditioned location. If symptoms aggravate and the person develops confusion and vomiting, for example, it could indicate heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.
CNN: Who are the most vulnerable during a heatwave?
Wen: Certain groups are more susceptible to heat-related issues, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. Several health problems, like heart, lung, and kidney issues, can be exacerbated by heat.
CNN: Do any medications increase one's vulnerability during a heatwave?
Wen: Certain drugs can increase the risk during periods of extreme heat. Common blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during high temperatures. Some medications used for mental health diseases, including antidepressants and stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, can affect the body's normal heat regulation mechanisms.
Over-the-counter medicines can also create these issues. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine, for instance, can reduce sweating and impact temperature regulation.
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To ensure wellness during summer exercises, it's crucial to stay informed about the weather forecast and avoid outdoor activities during heat waves. According to Dr. Leana Wen, exercising early in the morning or late in the evening can help protect against heat-related problems.
