How does the summer heat affect humans?

How does the summer heat affect humans?

Heat causes heat exhaustion, which can be dangerous. The longer you spend in the heat, the more serious the effects on your body can be. Increased body temperature can cause heavy sweating, clammy skin, dehydration, tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps, and a quick, weak pulse.

What does heat stress do to the body?

It occurs when excessive sweating in a hot environment reduces the blood volume. Warning signs may include paleness and sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps (usually in the abdomen, arms or legs), headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting.

How do I know if I have heat stress?

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

1. Headache.
2. Nausea.
3. Dizziness.
4. Weakness.
5. Irritability.
6. Thirst.
7. Heavy sweating.
8. Elevated body temperature.

Does heat cause mental stress?

Extreme heat has been associated with a range of mental health impacts in research over many years, including increases in irritability and symptoms of depression and with an increase in suicide.

What are examples of heat stress?

Heat stress includes a series of conditions where the body is under stress from overheating. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, or heat stroke, each with its own symptoms and treatments. Symptoms can range from profuse sweating to dizziness, cessation of sweating, and collapse.

How do you control heat stress?

How to protect yourself against heat stress

1. Stay fit.
2. When possible, avoid working in hot areas and in full sun.
3. Take frequent breaks.
4. Use sunblock with at least SPF 15 and re-apply every two hours.
5. Cover up with long-sleeve shirt, hat.
6. Increase fluid intake.
7. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.

Who is at risk of heat stress?

Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. Prevention of heat stress in workers is important.

Can heat change your mood?

The heat affects your mood in ways beyond your level of laziness, though. “While the majority of people feel invigorated and motivated to engage in activities [in the summer], in some people, the heat may trigger feelings of agitation, aggression, making them feel out of control,” he tells Elite Daily.

How can I stop getting hot in the summer?

Highlights

1. Keeping yourself hydrated is the best way to beat the heat in summer.
2. Use mint based products to make yourself feel cooler.
3. Go for cotton clothes as they are lighter.

What is heat stress?

What is Heat Stress? Heat stress occurs when the body cannot get rid of excess heat. When this happens, the body’s core temperature rises and the heart rate increases. As the body continues to store heat, the person begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink.

Is heat stress an issue in the summer months?

In many jobs heat stress is an issue all year round (such as bakeries, compressed air tunnels, foundries and smelting operations), but this information is also applicable during the hot summer months where there may be an increased risk of heat stress for some people.

Why are elderly people more prone to heat stress?

Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people because their body may not adjust well to sudden or prolonged temperature change. They are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition and be taking medication that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

What are the effects of extreme heat on the workplace?

Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.