Tag Archive for: temperature

New Theory: COVID-19 in the 30-50” North Parallels

/in /by

One of the questions that I’m frequently asked about COVID-19 is related to temperature: do I think that the virus will fade as the temperature gets warmer in the Northern hemisphere? My answer is still I don’t know. However, after Paula gave me an article to read, and then I read the scientific paper behind the news article, I’m going to change my answer to maybe, and here’s why.

Several virus researchers tracked the path of the virus as it has spread. They focused on a specific weather path within the northern parallels at 30-50 N”—the lime green path in the graphic that shows weather from November 2018 to March 2019 (assuming the weather has been similar this year). When you look at the clusters of cases within specific temperatures (41°F to 52°F) and humidity percentages (47% to 79%), it seems reasonable. It was interesting to me that it’s not a straight line around the earth; as the temperature and humidity vary slightly from location to location, so do the clusters. That doesn’t mean there are no cases outside of that area, but they may have been carried from the clusters out, called community spread, which is unpredictable.

The researchers have also predicted, based on weather projections, where the next clusters may occur as spring proceeds. They caution that this is an examination with just two variables: cases of the COVID-19 virus infections and weather factors. They include a chart where the weather conditions will be right in the coming weeks. That doesn’t mean it will happen; just that it’s possible.

Does that actually answer the question I’ve been asked? No, but it gives us a direction to look. We’ll know more as we move toward summer. Until then, keep washing those hands, taking your supplements, and disinfecting surfaces you and others touch all the time. I’m going to go sanitize the refrigerator handle!

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: https://bit.ly/3cMhQ43

How to Exercise in the Heat

/in /by

When the temperature rises, with or without humidity, and you have to get that workout done outdoors, the solution is high-intensity interval training, but only if you’ve been cleared by your physician and cardiologist for intense exercise. Walking, running, swimming, or biking, intervals can help you get an intense workout in a short time. That’s the approach I used in Austin, and you can, too.

The location where I stayed in Austin was on a very hilly road—more mountain than hill. I have nothing like that kind of hill anywhere near my neighborhood. The approach was . . .

We're sorry, but this content is available to Members and Insiders only.

If you're already a DrChet.com Member or Insider, click on the Membership Login link on the top menu. Members may upgrade to Insider by going to the Store and clicking Membership; your membership fee will be prorated automatically.

Exercise and the Heat

/in /by

How do you know if you should exercise outdoors during the day in the heat and humidity we’re having this summer? I’ll make it simple for you: don’t.

Unless you can exercise in the morning before the sun rises, stay indoors. When I ran in Austin this past weekend, it was before the sun came up and the day was overcast to begin. It was in the 70s but not hot.

Our cooling mechanism is the problem when exercising in the high heat and humidity. If the outside temperature, combined with the humidity, is too high, your . . .

We're sorry, but this content is available to Members and Insiders only.

If you're already a DrChet.com Member or Insider, click on the Membership Login link on the top menu. Members may upgrade to Insider by going to the Store and clicking Membership; your membership fee will be prorated automatically.

Heat, Water, and Sports Drinks

/in /by

While I was in Austin doing a seminar this past weekend, I posted a thought on Facebook about drinking fluids when it’s hot. And it was hot in Austin; the temperature topped out at 100 degrees. It’s also been hot in Grand Rapids with temperatures hitting the 90s with some humidity to make it even worse. If you’re going to work outside in that type of heat and humidity, you have to drink fluids.

Water is important but when you sweat, you lose sodium and potassium as well. You should alternate four ounces of water with four . . .

We're sorry, but this content is available to Members and Insiders only.

If you're already a DrChet.com Member or Insider, click on the Membership Login link on the top menu. Members may upgrade to Insider by going to the Store and clicking Membership; your membership fee will be prorated automatically.