1Your Body’s Personal Air Conditioner
Have you ever noticed your skin getting shiny and wet after a fast game of tag or a long bike ride? That is your body’s brilliant cooling system in action! Your body works hard to keep your internal temperature at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). When you exercise or stand in the sun, your brain sends a signal to your sweat glands to start pumping. As the sweat lands on your skin, it doesn't just sit there; it begins to evaporate. This process of turning liquid into vapor actually pulls heat away from your skin and into the air, making you feel much cooler instantly!
2Millions of Tiny Sprinklers
Underneath your skin, you have a massive network of tiny tubes called sweat glands. Most people have between two million and four million of these glands spread all over their bodies! While you have them almost everywhere, some spots are extra busy. For example, the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet have the highest concentration of sweat glands. Even though sweat feels sticky, it is actually made of 99% water. The rest is a mix of salt, protein, and tiny amounts of chemicals that your body is filtering out. Interestingly, most sweat doesn't actually have a smell until it mixes with the natural bacteria on your skin.
3Refueling the Tank
Because your body is using its own water supply to keep you cool, it is very easy to run low on fluids. Think of your body like a car; if you run out of coolant, the engine gets too hot! This is why you might feel dizzy or extra tired if you sweat a lot without drinking water—this is called dehydration. To keep your "personal air conditioner" running perfectly, you should drink water before, during, and after you play. By replacing the water and salt you lose through your skin, you help your heart, brain, and muscles keep doing their important jobs all day long!
