Keeping Your Life in Motion Richard McClain, DO Allied Bone and Joint SUMMER HEAT Summer brings out people to all sorts of events. This is the time of year for fairs, festivals, sporting events, and such With summer heat and sun comes sunbuns, perspiration, dehydration, and overheating Remember that as mammals we can regulate our inner temperature. When ins cold we can layer up to trap body heat When it's hot we have to lose layers and, if necessary, sweat to stay cool. Perspiration cools us via water evaporation. We humans are 50-75% water, more so in younger men and less so in elderly women, We each have a water reserve available for cooling vía sweat As we lose this wate start overheating. Too much dohydration leads to cramping of muscles in the arms, legs, and abdomen Further dehydration leads to further overheating, increased body temperature, and a rising heart rate. This heat exhaustion needs to be addressed soon by cooling and water consumption When the body loses its ability to sweat and further overheats heat stroke can occur and is an emergency requiring rapid treatment. At this point core temperature has reached 104 F and the brain and vital organs start baking. This can cause permanent damage and even death. So be sure to stay hydrated with water this summert The sugary and alcoholic drinks may taste great, but do little to rehydrate. Water yoursel first Keop Your Life in Motion this summer! Dr. McClain is a Board Certified schedulo an appointment with Dr. Mcclain at our Alied Bone and Joint Plymouth location please call 574.540.2500