Another weight loss tip....

I know that people hate the heat but when you are hot your body has to work much harder to cool you off.  If you are a big sweater then you are an efficient calorie burner!  HOWEVER CAUTION:  It is easy to overheat and become sick so when the temperature increases you need to use caution when exercising outside.  Make sure you are hydrated properly, dress for the heat and pay attention to your body!!  If you are deconditioned, over weight, or suffer with medical issues you may consider moving inside to exercise.  Here are some things to consider:

Dehydration: In an attempt to counterbalance overheating, the body increases sweat rates. Since sweat is over 99 percent water, prolonged sweating may lead to dehydration. Dehydration in excess of 5 percent of total body weight limits sweating and circulatory capacity, thus exposing individuals to severe health hazards.
Heat Cramps, usually caused by inadequate fluid replacement, are characterized by painful muscle spasms following high exertion in hot weather. The most common heat cramp treatment involves moving to a cool environment and drinking plenty of fluids.
Heat Exhaustion: is characterized by weakness, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, headaches and eventually collapse. If you suspect a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, administer fluids and have hint or her lie down in a shaded area.
Heat Stroke: is a life-threatening reaction to heat exposure. It is characterized by high body temperature (usually above 40.6 degrees Celsius), cessation of sweating, rapid pulse and respiration and, usually, elevated blood pressure. Anyone suspected of suffering from heat stroke should be taken to an emergency medical facility immediately. Prior to and during transportation, patients should be kept cool--remove any extra clothing that might retain heat and, if conscious, administer fluids.

Reference: http://www.http//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_3_21/ai_112982409/

Things you can do to make exercise doable outside when it is super hot are:

1.  Avoid the hottest part of the day, workout early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the heat is not at it's most severe.  Before or right as the sun is rising or as the sun is going down are good times to go out.  That is when I prefer to do yard work ;)
2.  Drink plenty of fluid, keep hydrated through out the entire workout.  When you begin to get thirsty your body is already starting to dehydrate so drinking water will help combat this issue.  Also consider a sports drink for replacement of sugar and electrolytes if you are out in extreme heat or you are exercising longer than 90 minutes at one time. 
3.  Try to find some shade.  When I run my marathon runner I try hard to find her as much shade as possible.  This will allow her body to cool off some while she is running. 
4. Find loose fitting clothing or even better, clothing that is a dry fit material (one that doesn't hold on to the sweat) this will help the body cool itself by removing the mositure from your skin and allowing it to properly evaporate.  Cotten fabrics hold in the mositure which can sit on the skin and prevent properly evaporation of sweat.  They will also get heavy and unconfortable when saturated with sweat.
5.  Pay special attention to children.  Children are unable to cool themselves like adults.  They are much more likely to overheat when playing outside.  Make sure you know the signs of heat related illnesses (listed above) and pay close attention to your children.  Do not let them play outside during the hottest part of the day and keep them hydrated.  If you have a play area outside try to shade the area so they can have some pretection. 

Be safe, have fun and remember there is NO EXCUSE not to exercise!