Our body must operate within a certain temperature range in order to function healthily. In order to maintain this balance, it interacts with its environment to gain or lose heat. However, as temperatures rise, the body may have difficulty maintaining this balance, which can lead to serious health problems such as heat stroke.
Heat stroke not only causes sudden death, but can also cause permanent damage in the long term. For this reason, the effects of extreme heat on human health, especially in the summer months, are a matter of great curiosity and concern. In this context, the question “What precautions should be taken in extreme heat?” also comes to the fore.
What are the effects of extreme heat on health?
Our body needs to stay within a certain temperature range in order to function healthily. Therefore, it interacts with our environment, exchanges heat and tries to maintain temperature balance. The most effective way to lower body temperature is to radiate heat into the air. This method allows us to release 65% of our body heat. However, when the temperature rises, it becomes difficult for the body to transfer heat to the air, which causes the body temperature to increase.
Methods such as sweating, being in cold environments or contact with cold objects can help lower body temperature. However, staying in the sun for long periods of time or being in high-temperature environments can cause the health effects of extreme heat, known as “heat stroke” or “sunstroke”.
The damages of excessively hot weather include the increase in body temperature, affecting protein and fat tissues and disrupting the functions of these structures. This disrupts the balance of all systems and serious heat strokes can result in death. Excessive heat creates various effects both physically and mentally. Mental symptoms include weakness, reluctance, feelings of distress, distraction, intolerance and quick temper. Such situations negatively affect the daily pace of life and reduce work efficiency.
Physical symptoms include sweaty and cold skin, fatigue, thirst, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and dark urine.
What should be taken into consideration in extreme heat?
Here are the things to do against extreme heat:
- Choose light-colored, thin clothing that is appropriate for seasonal conditions. Avoid synthetic fabrics and choose cotton clothing. Cotton clothing increases the sweating effect by keeping the body cool.
- Keep your daily fluid intake between 1.5-2 liters and increase your fluid consumption as the air temperature increases. Water should be your best and healthiest beverage of choice.
- Create a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid heavy and fatty foods at meals and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day. Try to spend time in cool, shaded areas.
- Arrange the environment and windows appropriately to ensure air circulation in closed areas and workplaces. This will keep the interiors cool and comfortable.
It is very important for individuals with chronic diseases to use their medications completely and regularly. In addition, it is recommended that they consult their doctors about precautions to be taken and to rearrange their medication treatments in order to minimize the effects of hot weather.
Children, the elderly and pregnant women are groups that require special attention. These individuals are at higher risk of being affected by extreme heat and can be more susceptible to heat stroke. For example, leaving a child alone in a hot car, even for a short time, can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, people in this group need to be observed and protected more carefully in hot weather.
The following immediate measures are recommended for those affected by this issue:
- Immediately move the person to a cool environment.
- Make yourself comfortable by laying down with your feet slightly elevated.
- Give plenty of water; athletes’ drinks or drinks that compensate for fluid loss are also preferable.
- Apply cooling with a fan or spray to cool the skin; apply cold water compresses, especially to the armpits and neck areas.
If improvement is not observed within 30 minutes after these measures are taken, there may be a risk of heat stroke and urgent medical attention may be required.