Your body
is an absolutely wonderful machine with its own built-in cooling
system. That system depends on keeping a fluid balance within your
body. As the temperature rises, your body's "air conditioning" mechanism
switches to "on" and sweat glands begin to excrete fluids and salts.
Simply put, these evaporate on the skin's surface and voila! You
begin cooling off.
However,
problems can arise when your body becomes too hot and/or you don't
have enough fluids to keep your cooling system running at optimum
power.
Whether you
are spending your summer holiday in North America or planning a
winter trip to the tropics, it helps to keep the following basic
beat-the-heat advice in mind.
When it's hot, hot, hot!
- Sightsee in early morning or late afternoon.
- Don't exercise or work in the heat of the day.
- Wear loose-fitting, light coloured cottons and avoid
synthetics.
- Safeguard yourself from UVB and UVA rays with high-protection
factor sunscreens, sun glasses and wide rim hats.
- Take frequent cool but not icy showers.
- Drink at least 10 liters of water daily. Light colored
urine indicates that you are well hydrated. Carry bottled
water with you if necessary.
- Remember that coffee and alcohol tend to dehydrate.
M. Assunta Uffer-Marcolongo , President of the International
Association for Medical Travellers (IAMAT) |
Men are better than
women!
Men apparently acclimatize (to heat) faster than women
because the male hormone, testosterone, stimulates sweating.
John Hatt, The Tropical Traveler,
Penguin Books |
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Sun-baked Lips
The best remedy for sore lips I have ever discovered
is the jojoba moisture cream sold by the Body Shop.
John Hatt, The Tropical Traveler,
Penguin Books. |
|
You're probably not a pregnant
traveller!
It is common for menstruation to become irregular or stop
temporarily, especially in temperature extremes. This does
not require medical attention but may cause stress for sexually
active heterosexual women.
Thalia Zepatos, A Journey
of One's Own, The Eighth Mountain Press |
Protect your journey baby
JourneyMamas and nannies take note! Babies' bottoms are very
prone to prickly heat, an intense rash which develops when
the sweat glands are plugged and become infected. To ease
this condition, avoid plastic coated disposable diapers. Instead
use cotton diapers and eliminate any rubber pants. Your journeybabies
will be very grateful!
From Journeywoman files
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Iced tea is not fuel for your
cooling system!
Iced tea, iced coffee, an ice cold beer or caffeine-containing
colas may seem like the perfect thirst quenchers. Wrong! They
are all dehydrating and will increase your body's fluid loses.
So, go ahead and enjoy them. But always be sure to down a
couple of water chasers.
Source: Thirst Quenchers by
Rosie Schwartz, RD, GUSTO! Summer 1997 issue. |
 The
heat is on and you're a tourist!
- Plan to be indoors especially during the extreme heat
of the day.
- Carry a collapsible fan and use it when necessary (i.e.
in open-air markets, at bus stops on walking tours, etc.).
- Concentrate on slowing down your walking pace.
- Use transportation whenever possible even for short
distances.
Source: Shopping in Exotic Thailand, Ron & Caryl Krannich
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