Your Local Epidemiologist: "Heat and welcome to 'corn sweat' season." Logically, mid-summer is associated with heat-related illnesses. At the moment, "the Midwest [and Southeast], in particular, [are] in the thick of corn sweat." Corn, like other plants, releases water vapor through evapotranspiration. "With millions of acres of corn growing in the Midwest, that extra water vapor can make the air feel heavier and hotter." After all, it is about our thirstiest crop. However, "research by Illinois State shows that most moisture originates from large-scale wind patterns that pull it in from the Gulf of Mexico [not America, let's not blame ourselves]." During hot weather, the real risk to your health is heat imbalance—when your body produces more heat than it can dissipate. "Sweat helps cool us down, but high humidity...slows evaporation." Therefore, follow these 3 watchwords. The first is to hydrate early + often, not waiting for a thirst signal. The second is to stay indoors + avoid overexertion if possible during peak heat, typically 10am to 4pm. The third is—if overheated—to cool down rapidly with wet towels, ice packs or a cold shower. This advice is particularly important with certain chronic health conditions, during pregnancy + with older adults. Cool is the word.
