Explainer | Running hot: how can Hongkongers beat the heat to exercise safely as temperatures soar?
- Experts weigh in on whether people should still push their limits outdoors and how to stay cool on a weekend hike
Persistently hot weather has gripped Hong Kong in recent weeks, as another steamy summer settles in.
While the air-conditioned indoors may provide respite from the heat, many people are still eager to find ways to exercise and maintain their healthy lifestyles.
The Post breaks down how to stay safe in summer while still staying active.
1. Is it dangerous to exercise in high heat?
About 80 per cent of the energy produced by the human body when people exercised was generated as heat, said Lobo Louie Hung-tak, associate head of the health and physical education department at the Education University of Hong Kong.
A “safe” core temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius must be maintained, after which bodies would generate sweat as a cooling mechanism, he added.
But outside temperatures in summer months could reach levels that made it harder for the heat to dissipate from our bodies quickly, Louie said. Core temperatures increased under such conditions, which could result in health problems such as heatstroke.
Edward Lam Wing-wo, a family doctor, said the elderly, children and those with cardiovascular issues were most at risk of heatstroke.
