How to Avoid Heat Sickness
I was going to write this yesterday but I was still sick from “my little stroll to the store.” I know better, we all know better.
We live in the Las Vegas Valley where temperatures consistently rise over 100 degrees during the summer. And because of this, we all should take extra steps to prevent a lot of issues that arise from exercising in sunny Las Vegas.
One of my other projects is a Las Vegas coupon blog and I am always visiting the store to get prices to match up to coupons for the blog. So yesterday I decided to walk from my home to Wal-Mart, which is only 2. 1 miles, and have my kids pick me up after school on their way home. I grabbed my pen and papers needed an headed to the store. That’s all I needed, right?!
WRONG! I judge the weather by whether or not I can walk outside and stand in the drive way with no shoes. Seriously, I do – even though it was 96 out yesterday (I looked once I returned home) it didn’t feel that hot.
Now, let me share something with you that hinders my ability to exercise at times. I DON’T SWEAT! Really, it takes a lot to make me sweat and because of that my body doesn’t cool like other and therefore I get heat sick very easy. On top of that — heat sickness is one of my migraine triggers. YEA ME!!!!
Even though I knew better I talked myself out of the following would be okay:
- Sunglasses – it was VERY bright outside and I didn’t protect my eyes. This is one of the most overlooked items by those who exercise outside. My son, who trains for marathons and triathlons, swears by his Oakley sunglasses as his must have for outdoor training.
- Hydrate – Hydrate – Hydrate: I didn’t drink anything all morning and I didn’t take anything with me. HUGE mistake. I knew it before I headed out but I didn’t want another thing to carry and convinced myself it’s only a few miles, I will be fine.
- Proper clothing: I headed out wearing jean and athletic shoes with no socks.
- Wrong time of day: Yes, I left the house at 12:50 PM – I gave myself 30 minutes to walk there in the heat of the day.
I didn’t make it to Wal-Mart — I stopped at McDonald’s and texted the kids to pick me up there. Once there I ordered a water and started chugging. I thought the cup was very ironic (and in my face) about hydrating.
It is so important to prepare for any exercise – we all know better but most of the time we don’t. Please don’t talk yourself out of proper stretching, hydrating, etc. – this will prevent sickness or injury that will only delay your progress.
As for me, I had my kick in the butt for the summer and it won’t happen again!
What are your top tips for working out in the heat?
