The science of why you need to stay cool

MANILA, Philippines – Imagine the noon sun at the hottest day of the year.

Meanwhile, you’re indoors, sipping a cold beverage, with the air conditioner turned up.

If only you could spend every single day like this, right?

The reality is that during summer season, we spend lots of time exposed to heat: heading to the beach, playing outdoor sports, taking long commutes.

So it would help to understand how hot weather affects the body, and what you can do to prevent the negative effects of extreme heat.

When your body temperature is too high, or the space you’re in is too hot, your body starts to lose water. Your body will send you signals. You will feel thirsty, dizzy, or fatigued.

These are symptoms of heat exhaustion. Ignore it and you become vulnerable to a more severe condition: heat stroke.

Heat stroke sufferers need immediate attention. If left untreated, it can lead to brain damage and even death. Though it doesn’t happen often, it doesn’t mean that there’s no possibility of it happening to you.

Your body does work to protect you from heat exhaustion through perspiration or sweat. When you sweat, your skin releases moisture, which brings heat away from your body and helps it cool down.

So learn to work with your body and take the right steps.

Keep your cool

As your body uses up moisture from your body, you need to replenish it with enough fluids in order to prevent dehydration.

Dehydration can cause more than just thirst and fatigue. It can also affect how you work and think. Experts say that a decrease in 4% to 5% of body water can already reduce your work ability by up to 30%.

Excessive perspiration could also affect your productivity, because it can lead to the loss of substances that your body needs to produce energy. Constant sweating can also distract you from your daily activities. 

Hot weather can also affect your mood. Studies also show that high temperature brings your heart rate and blood pressure up as your body tries to cool itself, and makes you more tense, irritable and aggressive.

That’s why experts suggest working in a cool, comfortable environment to increase productivity. This is where air conditioners can help.

Aside from regulating your space’s temperature, air conditioners can also filter air, removing pollutants that you may inhale from the outdoors. Quality units can also reduce the amount of parasites in the air that may trigger allergies creating a more conducive living space for you and your family.

Make the hot weather work for you instead of against you. Keep these things in mind especially during the summer months:

• Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water daily.
• Wear clothes made from breathable material such as linen, cotton and rayon.
• Head to the beach or the pool with your family.
• Turn down your shades and keep your space cool and comfortable.
• Turn on your air conditioner to create a comfortable space. Make sure you’re able to use it for long hours instead of letting it cycle on and off to save energy.

Take care of your mind and body and value the air that cools you. Stay on top of your work, have fun and spend quality time with your family during the summer months. – Rappler.com