01/17/08 | by admin

Global Warming and Its Impact on Health

Researchers probe the link between global warming and the increase of people experiencing kidney disease, heart disease, as well as mental illnesses.

A recent study in Australia compared the number of hospital admissions, ambulance trips and deaths during heat waves and normal weather temperatures. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in admissions to the hospital and a 4% increase in ambulance trips during the hotter periods of time.

Heat wave

According to researchers who conducted the study, it is theorized that as the planet continues to warm, there will be more heat-related illnesses.

Heat Wave

A heat wave is described as a period of five or more days in which the temperature exceeds five degrees above the normal temperature. Severe heat waves have been responsible for catastrophic crop failures, deaths from hyperthermia and power outages.

How Can People Protect Themselves from the Heat?

Hyperthermia is an acute condition in which the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. In its advanced state, hyperthermia is commonly referred to as heat stroke. It is a real medical emergency that people should be aware of.

Exertion heatstroke can occur when a person physically exerts himself through exercise or physical labor during hot times of the day. When the temperature outside reaches eighty-five degrees, it is recommended that people do not exercise outside unless they are already accustomed to the hot weather. The treatment for heat stroke is intravenous fluids and methods at which the body temperature is cooled.

Non-exertion heat stroke can happen when people, particularly older people, live in a house with no air-conditioning during a time at which temperatures escalate. Researchers recommend getting out of the house that lacks air-conditioning for a couple of hours in order to reduce the risk of heat stroke. For example, going to a movie theater or the shopping mall could cut down on the risk of heatstroke.

Heatstroke can happen very quickly. Call 911 for emergency care and work to lower the person's body temperature by moving him/her to a cool, air-conditioned location indoors or under a shady tree.

At Highest Risk

Those at the highest risk of heat-induced illnesses include infants, children under four years of age and people over sixty-five years of age. Also included in the high-risk category are those that are overweight, or people that are ill or on certain medications.

Ask Your Doctor

If you are uncertain as to whether or not you or a loved one is at a high risk of heat-induced illnesses, it is highly recommended that you speak to a health-care professional.