WHY DOES HEAT PUT A STRAIN ON HEALTH?

Long-lasting high temperatures are problematic because they can lead to health complaints.
During the hot spells of recent years, the number of hospital admissions and heat-related deaths has risen significantly: In the particularly hot August of 2003, about 7,000 more people died due to heat compared to August in previous years.

Basically, people can adapt well to high temperatures. The body tries to cool itself down in various ways. Above all, sweat, which evaporates on the skin, provides cooling. In addition, the body’s blood supply increases in order to release as much heat as possible through the skin. To do this, the blood vessels dilate.

In extreme heat, this body’s own cooling system finds it more difficult to maintain normal body temperature. This is often due to not drinking enough and thus not being able to produce enough sweat. In addition, a lack of fluids and electrolytes easily leads to heat-related illnesses. Signs include headaches and malaise, circulatory problems, states of confusion and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness.
Heat-related illnesses particularly affect risk groups such as the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses.