In this blog we will discuss about a common problem we all are facing nowadays. yes, you read it right we will discuss about heat in this blog. Summer season are going on and after every two to three days we heard in news paper or in our surroundings that heat is increasing day by day. Due to climate change and global warming heat is increasing day by day and the people's affected from heat is increasing sharply. Just week ago I had seen in a news paper that nearly a 11 peoples die due to the effect of heat stroke and many more are affected due to it in one award function which was organised in afternoon time. So it is a problem for all of us to survive in this state and we will discuss in detail about it's effects on human body and provide some solution at last to face it.
Some of the key facts about heat according to world health organization blog :-
• Population exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change, and this trend will continue. Globally, extreme temperature events are observed to be increasing in their frequency, duration, and magnitude. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people exposed to heat waves increased by around 125 million. In 2015 alone, 175 million additional people were exposed to heat waves compared to average years.
• Single events can last weeks, occur consecutively, and result in significant excess mortality. In 2003, 70,000 people in Europe died as a result of the June-August event, in 2010, 56,000 excess deaths occurred during a 44-day heatwave in the Russian Federation.
• Exposure to excessive heat has wide ranging physiological impacts for all humans, often amplifying existing conditions and resulting in premature death and disability.
• The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and largely preventable with specific public health actions. WHO has issued public health guidance for the general public and medical professionals on coping with extreme heat.
What is the reason behind increasing heat day by day ?
The increase in heat day by day can be attributed to several factors, but the primary cause is the ongoing phenomenon of global warming. Global warming is caused by the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere. As a result, we are seeing more frequent and intense heat waves, which can lead to a range of impacts such as droughts, wildfires, and health risks.
Additionally, natural factors such as changes in solar radiation, volcanic activity, and the Earth's orbit can also play a role in short-term temperature fluctuations. However, the long-term trend towards increasing temperatures is primarily driven by human activity and the emission of greenhouse gases.
What are the mechanisms of our body to survive in heat ?
Our body has several mechanisms to regulate body temperature and survive in hot environments. The process by which the body regulates temperature is called thermoregulation, and it involves a complex interplay of physiological and behavioral responses.
One of the primary mechanisms of thermoregulation is sweating. When we get hot, sweat glands in our skin produce sweat, which is mostly composed of water, salt, and other electrolytes. As the sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body down, helping to regulate body temperature.
Another mechanism is vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels in the skin. This allows more blood to flow to the surface of the skin, which facilitates the transfer of heat from the body to the environment.
The body may also adjust its metabolic rate to produce less heat, and our behavior can play a role as well. For example, we may seek out shade or cool areas, wear lighter clothing, or drink more water to stay hydrated.
However, these mechanisms can only do so much, and in extreme heat conditions, they may not be enough to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It's important to take appropriate precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and seeking medical attention if necessary.
What are the effects of heat on our body ?
Exposure to excessive heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, skin problems, and aggravation of existing health conditions. These effects can range from mild symptoms like thirst and fatigue to life-threatening conditions like heat stroke. It's important to take precautions to protect ourselves from heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, wearing protective clothing, and seeking medical attention if necessary.
Click on the below links to get full details about effects of heat 👇
How we can protect ourselves from extremes of heat ?
There are several ways to protect yourself from extreme heat :-
1) Stay indoors :- The best way to avoid the heat is to stay indoors where it is cool. If possible, stay in an air-conditioned building or room.
2) Stay hydrated :- Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
3) Wear appropriate clothing :- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and lightweight clothing. This will allow air to circulate around your body and help keep you cool.
4) Avoid outdoor activities :- Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, try to stay in the shade.
5) Use a fan or air conditioner :- Use a fan or air conditioner to cool down your living space. If you don't have access to air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath to lower your body temperature.
6) Protect your skin :- Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun. This will also help prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
7) Check on others :- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat, such as young children, the elderly, and those with health conditions.
What are the foods we have to eat to counteract heat ?
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