Adam Cohen and Dr. Rod McEver
Adam’s Journal
I not too long ago returned from Minnesota, the place the mercury dipped into the one digits, and winds made it really feel even chillier. The freezing temperatures dissuaded me from heading out for a jog. Can it’s too frigid to train, or did I simply discover a handy excuse?
Dr. McEver Prescribes
The concept excessive chilly could be secure for figuring out runs opposite to standard knowledge. But, in keeping with the American School of Sports activities Medication, as long as you costume appropriately, you possibly can train safely in nearly any cold-weather setting.
“The massive query was, ‘Is it ever too chilly?’” stated the lead writer of the group’s place paper on the subject. “The reply isn’t any. Folks go to the poles, persons are secure on the market when it’s minus-50 levels, individuals do unbelievable issues, and safely. There actually isn’t some extent the place you possibly can inform individuals it’s not secure anymore.”
Whereas some might fear that chilly air will harm the lungs, it won’t. No matter air temperature, by the point it reaches your lungs, the air has warmed to physique temperature.
Equally, whereas individuals with bronchial asthma and coronary artery illness ought to use warning and be aware of signs, each teams can train safely within the chilly. Most consultants agree that dryness of the air, not temperature, is the principle think about triggering exercise-induced bronchial asthma.
Within the chilly, hypothermia and frostbite could be hazards. The important thing to avoiding hypothermia is to maintain shifting and to decorate appropriately. Certainly, many make the error of overdressing, with extra sweating truly growing the chance of hypothermia when perspiration cools.
For frostbite, the hazard grows most acute at excessive temperatures: The School of Sports activities Medication urges specific warning at wind-chill temperatures beneath minus-18 F. Whereas that’s not a mark we frequently see in Oklahoma, remember to maintain your fingers and face shielded from any sub-zero temperatures. In case your pores and skin begins to harm, head inside.
In fact, there’s no disgrace in hitting the gymnasium or the treadmill that’s at the moment doubling as a garments hanger. Simply don’t let winter ship your health into hibernation.
McEver, a physician-scientist, is vp of analysis on the Oklahoma Medical Analysis Basis. Cohen is a marathoner and OMRF’s senior vp and basic counsel. Submit your well being questions for them to [email protected].
