Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

DON'T GET HOT AND BOTHERED

The wonderful summer is upon us! Thank goodness, able to walk and ride and run OUTDOORS. But, no excuses for harming yourself. Start going out earlier in the morning for a truly delightful, cool time. Do let the great sunshine onto your face, hands and arms for at least 20-30 minutes each day to get it's full benefit on your digestion of calcium and good bone production through the Vit. C your body makes in just that amount of time. After that, sunscreen, please, to keep away skin damage. Don't forget your hat, at least from 10am till 2pm.

The warmer the weather, the more fluids you will need. I suggest 8 oz. before starting moderate work. Carry water with you if you will be more than about 30-40 minutes and take 4-6 oz. every 15-20 minutes. Your human thirst indicator is NOT very sensitive and you can be far behind before you feel thirsty. About those "sport drinks"; it is true that 6% glucose is absorbed a bit faster from your stomach, but higher concentrations of sugar retard absorption. In matter of fact, water mixed about 1/2 or 1/3 fruit juice is about right. Actually water alone is usually all that is needed. Unless you are on the desert in lots of heat for more than 1 1/2 hours you don't need extra salt.

You are cooled by sweat evaporating, don't change that "T" shirt, even if it is dripping wet until it has helped to cool you. Do about half your usual workout in very hot weather, at least work up to full pretty slowly. As you know, the Mall is a great, safe place for activity in really hot, humid conditions.

Indoor exercise can be more comfortable, and safer if it is really hot. Check out Destination Fitness video tapes for exercise machines at 800-624-4952.

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.