Exercising or Playing Sports in Extreme Heat Can Be Extremely Dangerous

July 10, 2025

Extreme heat poses significant health risks by challenging the body's natural cooling mechanisms through sweat. When environmental conditions prevent effective cooling, individuals can experience dehydration, heat exhaustion, or potentially fatal heat stroke. Professor Bharat Venkat of UCLA Heat Lab emphasizes that heat impacts all bodily systems, while high humidity worsens these effects by reducing sweat efficiency.

Who is affected

People who exercise or play sports in hot weather
Athletes engaging in strenuous activity
Individuals exposed to high heat and humidity conditions
Anyone performing physical activity in environments where the heat index reaches dangerous levels

What action is being taken

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides heat index guidelines for public safety
The CDC offers safety tips for exercising in heat
Medical experts are educating the public about heat-related health risks
UCLA's Heat Lab is conducting research and education on heat impacts on the body

Why it matters

Heat can impact every bodily system including heart and lungs
Heat-related illnesses range from mild (heat cramps) to severe (heat stroke)
High humidity makes sweating less effective, increasing danger
Heat stroke can lead to serious symptoms including confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
Heat exposure can cause rare conditions like rhabdomyolysis (rapid muscle breakdown)
People often misjudge their ability to handle heat, putting themselves at risk

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint