How The Body Handles Summer Heat
Posted August 7, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Though August is generally a bit more tolerable than July temperature-wise, there was no sign of that cool-off this long weekend as the mercury remained in the 30-degree area.
And with that heat comes the threat of serious heat-related illness, particularly for children and the elderly.
The most serious effect of extreme heat is heat stroke. This is a medical emergency where one’s body can no longer control its temperature, leading to potential damage of the brain and other organs.
Aside from an extremely high body temperature symptoms include red, dry skin, pounding headaches and dizziness and confusion. Not surprisingly, the best defence against heat stroke is still taking a preventative approach.
Most of it should be obvious, but just in case experts say in the extreme heat always try to stay inside, preferably in air conditioned areas like malls, get in front of a fan, wear comfortable clothes that breath, and drink lots and lots of water.
Here’s more of what you need to know about heat’s effects on the body and how to stay healthy.
How the body deals with heat:
The body tries to keep its internal temperature at about 37 degrees Celsius. When the temperature rises, through exercise or effects of a hot day, the body cools itself through perspiration. On really hot days however the body has a tough time keeping up.
“The more humidity in the air, the less your evaporative loss,” explains Dr. Anil Chopra, medical director of Toronto’s University Health Network.
When the body is overheated it shuts down unnecessary functions, according to Dr. Michael Gordon, head of geriatrics at Toronto’s Baycrest Centre. The body also begins to slow down kidney function, which helps to filter impurities out of the body through urine.
Because the body is already losing fluids through sweat, it tries to hold on to other fluids by cutting back on urine. People who don’t urinate often during a heat wave, or whose urine is a dark colour, aren’t drinking enough fluids experts say.
Importance of hydration:
It’s crucial to drink lots and drink often in a heat wave. Experts say it’s important to drink more than you usually would – especially water and juice. Try to avoid alcohol, which dehydrates the body even more, and caffeine-heavy drinks like coffee and soda.
Those without air conditioning, or who must spend a good amount of time outdoors, should pay extra attention.
“We tell them to drink more than usual, tailored to your activity and the exposure,” Chopra says.
Dehydration is a real concern for seniors, who don’t get thirsty the same way adults and children do.
“Older people have an impairment of thirst sensibility,” Gordon says. “That is one of the real issues we have, especially in long-term care.”
“So now you’re on this vicious cycle of getting slightly dehydrated, not realizing that it’s happening, perspiring, you’re losing fluid, your circulation’s closing down and you don’t feel this phenomenal thirst that says `My God, I’ve got to drink. My God, I’ve got to drink,”‘ he adds.
“And you’re not able to keep up with your losses. It’s a vicious cycle.”
Some of the symptoms of heat related illness include:
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness or fainting
- More tiredness than usual
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle cramps
If you become ill, faint, have difficulty breathing or feel confused and disoriented, call your doctor or go to your nearest hospital right away or call 911.
How can you keep your cool when all about you are losing theirs to the intense pre-summer sun?
Here’s what the city of Toronto advises:
- Drink lots of water and natural juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler and smog levels may not be as high as in the afternoon. Wear a hat.
- Take advantage of air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
- Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
- Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding side effects of your medications.
