Hot Weather Health Tips

Here's a repost of my article from last year. Still good information. Let me know what you think.

Is it hot enough for you? Is it hot out or is it just me? It's not the heat, it's the humidity. Say it how you want, but I think we'd all agree that days like today, in the 90's, are hot. I hear a lot of people say they feel super tired and lethargic during hot weather, so I thought I'd offer some quick health tips on this subject. If you have a medical condition causing your symptoms then you need to see your medical doctor.
 
First off, according to experts, the heat isn't what makes you tired, it's the dehydration. Your body will keep its cells hydrated at all costs, so if you don't replace water lost through perspiration, it will simply take water out of the circulating blood, reducing your blood volume.  As your blood volume goes down, your heart has to work a little harder. Your body adapts by slowing down, and that affects your general feeling of low energy. So your daily 8 or 9 glasses of water become more important on hot days, and in fact may not be enough on some really hot days.
 
And secondly, get enough sleep. I have often said that if you wake up to an alarm clock each day, you are not getting enough sleep. Instead of sleeping in, try to get to bed earlier, and wake up at your usual time.
 
And last but not least, see a chiropractor. You will sleep better at night and your muscles will not be as tense--and therefore won't waste energy--during the day.
 
So, drink some water, get to a chiropractor and get to bed earlier . . . and have fun.
 
Let me know what you think.
 
Your friend in health,
 
Dr. Steven T. Cass
CASS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
952-928-8735
www.casschiro.com