Climate (once again), Humidity

arnold trachtenberg arnold@nj.rr.com
Wed, 16 Nov 2005 12:10:11 PST
There are some parameters on what 'humid' is from an exercise physiology 
point of view.   A body at total  rest produces heat as a result of 
cellular metabolism.  This heat can be dissipated via four different 
routes.  Evaporation, conduction, convection and irradiation.  When the 
air is 'humid' that evaporation route fails and body temperature can 
rise.  This is most often  the source of the deaths we see in American 
Football in the pre season which usually occurs in August.  Take a big 
athlete, cover him in insulating material and run him around for an hour.

The best sweat is the sweat you don't see as it reaches the surface of 
the skin it immediately evaporates into the air, taking along a bit of 
heat with it.  If sweat is dripping down your face the air is most 
likely humid.

Arnold
New Jersey




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