Summer is in full swing, and it’s a great time to be outdoors. Even though it’s hot outside, maintaining an exercise routine during the warmer months is still important.
The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine recommends the following tips for safe summer exercise:
People should be extra cautious in locations with high humidity, as sweat will not evaporate as effectively, and heat-related illnesses are more common.
“People sometimes underestimate the effect of humidity on their ability to work and exercise in the sun and heat,” explained Rachel Bramson, M.D., associate professor of family and community medicine with the College of Medicine. “They don’t realize how compromised their cooling system [becomes] by the decreased evaporation. We tend to see heat exhaustion in athletes and [those] playing or working for prolonged periods outdoors in the summer, especially with exertion during the middle of the day.”
When out in the heat, watch for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke and take the appropriate action:
This article is provided as a courtesy by the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. If you have any questions, contact your health care provider. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.