develop.
Hot weather is dangerous for people who weigh too much and have too much body fat, and for people who drink
alcohol. It also increases dangers for people who must take medicine for high blood pressure, poor blood
circulation, nervousness or depression.
Untreated heat stress can lead to a more serious problem called heat exhaustion. A person suffering from heat
exhaustion loses too much water through perspiration. He or she will feel weak and extremely tired. They may
have trouble walking normally. Heat exhaustion may also produce a fast heartbeat, breathing problems and pain
in the head, chest or stomach. Doctors say people with such problems should rest quietly in a cool place and
drink plenty of water. They also say it may help to wash with cool water.
Experts say even a two percent drop in the body's water supply may cause signs of dehydration. These signs
include problems with memory and even simple mathematics. The treatment for dehydration exhaustion is the
same as for heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water and rest in a cool place. Even better, doctors say, drink about
two liters of water a day so problems with dehydration will not have a chance to develop.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if it is not treated. Heat stroke is the most serious disorder linked to hot
weather. It results when the body is not able to control its temperature. The body temperature increases and
perspiration fails.
Signs of Heat Stroke, and How to Treat the Condition
Generally, the body temperature rises to more than 40 degrees Celsius. The body stops perspiring. The skin
becomes dry and very hot. A person may become unconscious, not knowing what is happening.
Doctors say tissues and organs begin to cook when the body's temperature is higher than 42 degrees Celsius.
Permanent brain damage and death may result. Someone suffering heat stroke requires immediate medical
attention. Doctors say such treatment is necessary or the person could die before help arrives.
The purpose of immediate treatment is to cool the victim as quickly as possible to stop the temperature from
increasing. Begin by moving the victim out of the sun. Raise the person’s feet up about 30 centimeters. Take off
the victim’s clothing. Put cool water on the body. Place pieces of ice in areas where blood passageways are
close to the skin. These include the back of the neck and under the arms.
Experts say it is important to know the danger signs of the medical disorders linked to hot weather. It is also
important to know what to do if the signs appear in yourself or in someone else.
The Importance of Water
Experts say water is important for many reasons. Between 55 and 75 percent of the body is water. Water in
blood carries hormones and antibodies throughout the body. Water in urine carries away waste materials. Water
is needed for cooling the body on hot days, and when we are working or exercising. Water carries body heat to
the surface of the skin. There, the heat is lost through perspiration.
Health experts say adults should drink about two liters of water a day to replace all the water lost in liquid waste
and perspiration. They say people should drink more than that in hot weather.
Experts say it is important to drink before, during and after exercise. They say we should drink water even before
we start to feel like we need something to drink. During hot weather, cool liquids are best. Also, avoid sweet
drinks and alcohol.
We need to add that doctors also say it is possible to drink too much water. Some people, for example, do this if
they exercise hard during a heat wave. Experts with the Mayo Clinic say drinking too much water can cause
hyponatremia. In this condition, the level of sodium in the blood falls too low.
The result is that the amount of water in the body increases. This causes cells to become larger. Mayo Clinic
experts say the enlarged cells can cause a person to become sick or restless. They also can interfere with
mental ability, make muscles weak and cause pain in the head. In a mild case, simply reducing fluids may be all
that the person needs. But medical help is necessary if the condition is more severe.
Experts have suggestions for runners and others exercising or working hard in hot weather. They say drinking a
sports drink with sodium in it can help prevent the condition.
Doctors say actions other than drinking water can protect against the health dangers of heat. Stay out of the sun,
if possible. Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothes. Wear a hat or other head covering when in the sun.
Eat fewer hot and heavy foods. If possible, cook foods during cooler times of the day. Also, rest more often.
Physical activity produces body heat.
Experts say these simple steps can prevent the health problems linked to heat. They will prevent sickness, help
you feel better and may even save your life.
This Science in the News was written by Milagros Ardin and Christopher Cruise, who also produced today’s
program.
I’m Anna Matteo.
And I’m Christopher Cruise.