HOW TO FIGHT HEAT IN SUCH HOT WEATHER

                         

 A close look at the complex systems that keep us functioning can inspire us to know as how our body's complicated temperature-regulating mechanism .works with change in temperature This intricate system balances heat production with heat loss, keeping the body at a temperature just right for optimal function. This balancing act is directed automatically and seamlessly by the hypothalamus, a small portion of the brain that serves as the command center for numerous bodily functions, including the coordination of the autonomic nervous system. Its like a thermostat of Air conditioner  regulates the temperature of the room, the hypothalamus regulates  body temperature, responding to internal and external stimuli and making adjustments to keep the body within one or two degrees of 98.6 degrees. Systemtised

But unlike a thermostat, which simply turns the heat or air conditioning on or off until a desired temperature is reached, the hypothalamus must regulate and fine-tune a complex set of temperature-control activities. It not only helps to balance body fluids and maintain salt concentrations, it also controls the release of chemicals and hormones related to temperature.

The hypothalamus works with other parts of the body's temperature-regulating system, such as the skin, sweat glands and blood vessels — the vents, condensers and heat ducts of your body's heating and cooling system.

The middle layer of the skin, or dermis, stores most of the body's water. When heat activates sweat glands, these glands bring that water, along with the body's salt, to the surface of the skin as sweat. Once on the surface, the water evaporates. Water evaporating from the skin cools the body, keeping its temperature in a healthy range.

Sensitive

In a related function, blood vessels react to the introduction of outside organisms, such as bacteria, and to internal hormone and chemical changes by expanding and contracting. These actions move blood and heat closer to or farther from the skin, thus releasing or conserving warmth.

When all parts of the body's heat-regulating mechanism operate smoothly, body temperature stays near 98.6 degrees. However, there are times when body temperature can go awry. 

Heatstroke

On most days, the hypothalamus reacts to increases in outdoor temperature by sending messages to the blood vessels, telling them to dilate. This sends warm blood, fluids and salts to the skin, setting off the process of evaporation.

"Problems occur when a person is in the heat for a long time or in such extremes of heat or humidity that the evaporation process fails  due to prolonged heat exposure, the body sweats so much that it depletes itself of fluids and salts, leaving nothing to sustain the evaporation process. When this process ceases, body temperature soars and heat illnesses may result — including the most serious: heatstroke. .

How you know it's heatstroke: Look for the following symptoms:

·                     A body temperature above 103 degrees

·         Red, hot, dry skin

·         A rapid, strong heartbeat

·         A throbbing headache

·         Dizziness 

·         Nausea 

·         Confusion 

·         Unconsciousness

Getting help for heatstroke: Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you have these symptoms, you need to cool down quickly while you or someone else calls for help.

"One of the most effective ways to cool down is to spray or douse your body with water and sit by a fan to kick-start the evaporation process," This will help decrease the body temperature while you are waiting for medical assistance."

An ounce of prevention: Because heatstroke is so serious, It is strongly advised focusing on prevention. especially in case of kids and people  of age 65 and above, who are at higher risk for heat illness because less  effective. Regulating mechanism

"If you're worried or think you're having problems because of the heat, try to contact your primary care doctor," Ward says. "But if it's a real crisis, go to the emergency room. We'd much rather see you sooner than later."

Blood vessels constrict and then expand rapidly in what is known as vasomotor spasm. These spasms start the chain of events that lead to the skin flushing and temperature changes called hot flashes.

Fever

If your body temperature rises to 99.6 degrees or higher, you have a fever. How does this rise in temperature occur?

"The hypothalamus responds to different factors, such as infectious organisms and injury, by releasing fever-producing chemicals that change body temperature,"

Specifically, these chemicals cause blood vessels to narrow and pull heat into the innermost part of the body. The result is a fever. Fever not only signals that a foreign invader has entered the body; it's also a sign that the body's immune system is working to combat that invader.

As the body fights off the infection, the fever naturally resolves itself.

When a fever is cause for concern: Fever is rarely dangerous or damaging, except in a few cases.

"I get concerned if a patient has a fever over 102 or 103 degrees, especially if it lasts more than a couple days or has no obvious cause

When a fever is cause for alarm: A fever that rises to 105 degrees or higher is especially dangerous. If left untreated, a fever this high can lead to dehydration, dizziness, weakness and confusion.

Getting help for fever: If you have these types of symptoms with a fever, see your doctor as soon as possible.

How to prevent heat stocks

• Eat small meals and eat more often
   
• Avoid extreme temperature changes
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid drinks with caffeine
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colour clothing
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors
• Check on family, friends and neighbours who do not have room cooling arrangement and  spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.