Ask Marilyn: Does Fanning Yourself Make You Hotter?

Jane Lane of Fairfax, Virginia, writes:

Marilyn: I'm a fan of tennis and watch it on television. I often see people in the stands fanning themselves. It seems to me that fanning uses more energy and would make a person hotter. Does it?

Marilyn responds:

There are too many factors for a yes-or-no conclusion, but I believe the heat generation is minor compared to the relief felt by the breeze on one's face. So, in that sense, no, fanning yourself wouldn't make you hotter. Plus, if it did, it wouldn't be so popular!