Heat wave

It has been around 30 degrees Celsius over here for almost a week now and I’m half dead already. 

Some loves the overly warm weather but I can’t take it, and if you have chronic conditions or are disabled in any way, the heat can be very dangerous to you.

If you have chronic illnesses, the risk of health problems in a heat wave increases. The body's heat load also makes the symptoms of chronic diseases more difficult. The negative effects are compounded by the illnesses and medications used to treat them, which can weaken thermoregulation or the physical or mental ability to protect themselves from heat.

So what characterizes a heat wave and when is it become dangerous? 

A temperature of 26 degrees or more for three consecutive days significantly increases health problems. Warning signs may be elevated body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as dizziness and abnormal fatigue. Dry mouth and reduced urine levels may be signs of fluid deficiency.
Some medications can cause more serious side effects at high temperatures.

Remember to drink frequently but avoid sugary drinks, and alcohol, as well as liquids such as coffee. Serve liquid-rich foods, e.g. vegetables and fruits. A cool shower is most effective when you are overheated. A wet towel around the neck is an option.

How does the body react to heat?

The heat balance in the body depends on the amount of heat we produce. The body responds to rising temperatures mainly by increasing the blood flow to the skin (which helps to dissipate heat from the body's internal parts), and by increasing sweating. In addition, the heartbeat increases when it gets hot because the redistribution of blood from central parts to the skin. To allow blood flow through other organs, e.g. the brain, and avoid it from decreasing, the heart rhythm must increase.

When we sweat a lot, we lose fluid. This causes the blood to become thicker and slower to pump around. In addition to water, we also do away with salt when sweating, which can lead to disruptions in the body's salt balance. Our everyday diet usually contains enough salt to cope with moments of sweating. However, too much physical activity in the heat can lead to salt deficiency which can manifest in painful cramps in joints and in the stomach (so-called heat cramps). Generally, these are not dangerous and will pass after eating and drinking enough.

If the body is exposed to high temperatures to a greater extent than it can handle, it can lead to heat exhaustion, which is characterized by an elevated body temperature, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and requires rapid action with cooling and any salt supply. Untreated heat fatigue can lead to heat stroke (when the body temperature reaches> 40.6 °) which is a urgency condition and can cause organ failure, brain damage or lead to death

This information is taken from various web pages that are searchable for everyone.

So if you have a health problem, chronic or medical, keep out of the sun and activities, drink lots of water, take cold showers or wrap yourself in a wet towel.

I know I will....

XOXO