by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: July 03, 2007

The body comes designed with a fairly simple heating and cooling system. Keep the body in good working condition and display common sense and you should be fairly comfortable. The main function of sweat is to control the bodies' temperature. As the water evaporates, the surface of the skin becomes cool. Sweat is produce by sweat glands in the deeper layer of skin called the dermis. While sweat glands are all over the body they are more numerous on the soles of feet, the forehead, the palms and the armpits.

In case you have forgotten some of the basics about your body's cooling system here are some reminders about keeping yourself cool.

What types of clothing you wear matters. It is important to wear lightly colored and loosely woven material. Your skin needs to breathe and need a way to release the heat. There are many synthetic fabrics designed to help with this, but most experts agree and plain cotton is probably the best for absorbing the moisture and keeping the body cooled down. Your head should be shaded with a hat or scarf.

Hydration keeps your body's cooling system working in tiptop condition. It is important to stay away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they cause dehydration. Some suggestions would be water, fruit juices, water, vegetable juices, water, and sports drinks. Obviously the best choice is water. It is recommended that you be drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day with minimal activity. If your weight is excessive or your activity is strenuous more water is required.

As your body metabolizes your food there is an increase in temperature. In order to avoid high swings it is best to eat smaller meals, more often. Your natural appetite normally adjusts to this kind of hunger as the weather heats ups. Protein should be kept at a healthy minimum as well.

Pulse points are where your blood vessels are the closest to the outer layer of skin. These are the best places to use cool water to quickly effect the temperature of the body. For example a cool damp cloth around the back of your neck is helpful. Running cool water over the inside of your wrists is a quick way to reduce temperature. Misting pulse points with a spray bottle of cool water can help as well.

Remember that too much heat can be dangerous. Don't participate in strenuous activity in the hot sun. Take frequent breaks to cool off. Chances are your mother told you all things and as usual, she was right. Be cool and be safe.

Sources
Mom
http:saveenergy.about.com
www.betterhe alth.vic.gov.au

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