Written by
Neha Jayaram, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Neha Jayaram, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Did you know your body is a lot like the thermostat in your house?
It works very hard, all day long to make sure you never get too hot or too cold. Most days, it’s pretty good at keeping your body’s internal temperature at a healthy 37°C. In the summer though, it may run into some trouble.
It works very hard, all day long to make sure you never get too hot or too cold. Most days, it’s pretty good at keeping your body’s internal temperature at a healthy 37°C. In the summer though, it may run into some trouble.
In 1965, Canadian meteorologists developed the Humidex, a parameter that combines temperature and humidity to reflect the “real-feel” temperature. On days when the Humidex level is really high, your body has to work extra hard to stay cool and that may cause it to malfunction.
Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat strokes can be dangerous. People who do a lot of outdoor physical activity, seniors, children, pets and those on medications that increase their sensitivity to high temperatures.
Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat strokes can be dangerous. People who do a lot of outdoor physical activity, seniors, children, pets and those on medications that increase their sensitivity to high temperatures.
What is heat exhaustion? How do you recognize the warning signs?
Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke and happens when the body is overheated. Your blood pressure is be low and the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently. Some warning signs to look out for are:
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness/Fainting
- Fatigue, cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and
- Headache.
What to do if you think you might have heat exhaustion?
Move yourself or the person to a cool place and remove as many pieces of clothing as possible. Place cool wet cloths on your body or if possible, take a cool bath. If the symptoms prolong seek medical help immediately.
What is a heat stroke? Is it dangerous?
A heat stroke is the most dangerous heat related illness and is a medical emergency. When the symptoms of heat exhaustion aren’t addressed it can lead to a heat stroke. Without emergency treatment, heat strokes can lead to death.
When the body’s temperature goes about 40°C, it loses the ability to regulate its temperature.
Symptoms to be aware of are:
A heat stroke is the most dangerous heat related illness and is a medical emergency. When the symptoms of heat exhaustion aren’t addressed it can lead to a heat stroke. Without emergency treatment, heat strokes can lead to death.
When the body’s temperature goes about 40°C, it loses the ability to regulate its temperature.
Symptoms to be aware of are:
- Hot and dry skin
- Fast and strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness.
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