Extreme Heat and Cold
It is common knowledge that spending time outside promotes good health. But it is important to pay attention to the weather before spending a lot of time outdoors. In particular, if you are going to be outside and it is very cold or very warm, there are some things to keep in mind.
The Cold
Cold weather can be uncomfortable, but did you know that extreme cold poses health risks? One of the most common cold-related health problems is hypothermia, or an abnormally low body temperate that drops below 95⁰F. Hypothermia happens when a person’s body, after being exposed to very cold temperatures for too long, loses heat faster than it is produced. Hypothermia tends to affect people who are outside in the cold for long periods, such as hikers. Hypothermia can be dangerous because it not only affects the body, but it also affects the brain, making it hard to think clearly or move well. A person with hypothermia often does not think clearly and might not realize what is happening..
Fortunately, hypothermia is treatable. If someone has hypothermia, the first step is to go somewhere warm, and replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Next, that person should warm up the center of the body first, using an electric blanket, layers of blankets, etc. The person should drink warm beverages at the same time. Once the body temperature has risen, the person should stay wrapped up in a blanket and wear a scarf and hat.
Of course, the best idea is to avoid hypothermia in the first place. Someone spending time outside in the cold should dress properly by wearing several layers of loose-fitting, warm, dry clothing. The outermost layer should include a water-resistant coat and water-resistant boots. Also, the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers should be covered.
The Heat
Just as extreme cold can be dangerous, so can extreme heat. Becoming too overheated can cause heatstroke, which occurs when the body temperature rises to 104⁰F or higher. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but when someone has heatstroke, sweating fails to cool the body, and the body temperature rises faster than the body can cool itself down. Heatstroke happens when the weather is hotter than average and/or when there is heat and high humidity. If left untreated, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Heatstroke can affect people doing intense physical activity in the heat, such as playing sports or exercising.
Like hypothermia, heatstroke is treatable. If someone has heatstroke, the first step is to go somewhere cool, like into the shade or inside a cool building. Next, to lower the body temperature, the best idea is to take a cool bath or shower, but if that is not possible, put cool cloths or sponges on the skin, spray the body with a garden hose, or sit in front of a fan and mist with a spray bottle full of cool water.
What about preventing heatstroke in the first place? When spending time in the heat, dress for the weather by wearing lightweight, loose clothing. Also, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, limit time outside to when it is coolest, and limit physical activity. If doing an activity in the heat causes heart pounding and breathlessness, then that person should stop, go someplace cooler, and rest.
Playing It Safe
While spending time outside can be a lot of fun, it is a good idea to pay attention to the weather and be prepared. If the weather is very hot or very cold, it is important to take extra care to avoid any heat- or cold-related issues.
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