The Dangerous Delusion of “I’m Used to the Heat”
Here in South Louisiana, we wear heat like a badge of honor. You’ve probably heard said it yourself: “I’m used to the heat.” Spoiler alert: Being born and raised here doesn’t make you heatproof. And pushing through sweltering weather just because you're "used to it" might be doing your body more harm than you realize.
Yes, your body can adjust to warmer temps over time — that’s called heat acclimation. But even a well-acclimated person can hit their limit, especially during intense or prolonged heat. And that limit isn’t the same every day. Dehydration, illness, medications, sleep, and stress can all potentially lower your tolerance without you realizing it.
What feels normal might actually be chronic strain. And when you spend too much time in the heat without proper breaks, your cardiovascular system goes into overdrive trying to cool you down. That means:
- Increased heart rate
- Higher blood pressure
- Reduced blood flow to key organs
- Extra strain on your kidneys and heart
This can sneak up on people who work outside, exercise during peak heat, or just pride themselves on "toughing it out." Over time, that repeated strain can lead to serious health issues, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
Don’t wait until you’re lightheaded or seeing stars. Here are early red flags that your body is under heat stress:
- You stop sweating (not a good sign)
- You feel nauseated or develop a headache
- Your heart is racing or you feel short of breath
- You’re confused, dizzy, or unusually fatigued
If any of these hit, stop what you’re doing, cool down, and hydrate. And if symptoms get worse, don’t try to “walk it off” — get medical help.
Being local doesn’t make you immune. In fact, our laid-back attitude can sometimes lull us into a false sense of safety. Instead of relying on “I’m used to it,” try these smarter strategies:
- Hydrate ahead of time, not just when you’re thirsty
- Take breaks in shade or A/C, especially mid-day
- Watch your meds — some can increase heat sensitivity
- Listen to your body, even if your brain says “keep going”