Walks and Walking: A walker needs heat protection, particularly when walking in hot, humid climates or on walks taken during the heat of the day. 

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Walks and Walking

Walking and Heat Protection
The Walking Web

By DH Owens

Walking: There are several ways to protect yourself from heat when walking.

More information about walking and walks for fitness: 

When I walk at home, I am walking in Texas. I need protection from the heat. But you probably do, too. There are several ways to protect yourself from heat when walking.

The first protection to walking in heat is not to do it. Walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the summer months when you can. 

That said, there are other ways to protect yourself from heat when you are walking.

1. Wear a hat. Since your head can absorb a lot of heat when you are walking, particularly when the sun is high, wearing a hat will offer some heat protection. Such a simple precaution that we often forget.

2. Use sunscreen. Use a SPF sunscreen of at least 15, higher is probably better. Apply it liberally and often, particularly when you are sweating. Don't forget your neck, ears, backs of hands, and backs of legs. It is a must, even when you think you are walking in the shade of trees.

3. Wear sunglasses. Since sun can damage your eyes, wear those sunglasses on your walks. Also check to see that the lenses of your sunglasses have UV protection. 

4. Drink, drink, drink. Drink water or sports drinks before you start out and often as you walk. 

5. Wear proper clothing. It is better to keep your skin covered when the UV index is high. Long sleeves, long pants, and hats, as well as reflective clothing, are the order of the day for walkers.

6. Wet your head. A friend of mine pours water on his head to cool off. It works!

7. Wet your body. Of course, nothing is more cooling than a cool pool on a hot day. 

Walking for fitness:

Also be aware that sweat gland activity declines as we grow older. The sweat glands of older folks may not be cooling the body as effectively as we age, so we many not be able to tolerate high heat and humidity as well as we once did. Use particular caution when walking in a very hot or humid climate, especially if you have not adjusted to that climate yet. 

Additional information about walks and walking.

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