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Summer is traditionally a time of fun in the sun. Summer exercise and sports are great, but learn to temper your summer exertions with common sense. No matter what your age, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur on super-hot days.

Fluid loss becomes a problem with people who work in the heat, like roofers, builders, gardeners and road maintenance crews. This is also true with young athletes going out for football practice. Overexposure to the heat can lead to heat exhaustion. Elderly people and young active children (including infants) have less tolerance for the heat. For most of us, learning to follow a few health-care tips can make hot weather a pleasant time to enjoy summer pastimes.

• Be sure to drink lots of water, even if you're not really thirsty. If you're out in the heat, four to eight ounces of water an hour are a good precaution. If you're an athlete or participate in any heavy exercise, drink even more.
  
  
• Don't spend long periods of time in the sun your first day out. Take short rest breaks. Also, practice good sense in protecting your skin from the sun's rays. If you have sensitive skin, use a high-protective sun lotion. The hours around noon are the most dangerous for skin damage.
  
  
• Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is dehydrating and also interferes with perspiration, heart rate, regulation of the body's temperature and heat tolerance. Instead choose fruit juices, lemonade or iced tea.
  
  
• Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day (generally 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). If you plan to participate in hot-weather sports, build up gradually to it over a five- or six-week training period. Practice at the same time of day you plan to participate in the activity.
  

These practical precautions can make the difference between a pleasant summer and one beset with physical problems. For all summer activities, keep your spine in top condition by regular visits to Dr. Cassara.

Yours for better health, naturally,

Cassara Chiropractic Center