“The temperature at which you experience symptoms differs per individual. In general, the complaints start at about 25 degrees. The elderly suffer from the heat more quickly, because their sweat glands work less well and as a result they perspire less. And that is very important to lose heat. The elderly also have a less good thirst stimulus, as a result of which they drink too little and cannot regulate their temperature properly.”
“We have a number of sensors in our body, including in the spinal cord, blood vessels and skin. These sensors measure the temperature and pass it on to the thermostat in our brain, the hypothalamus. When your body temperature rises above 37 degrees – the core temperature – the hypothalamus initiates actions via the nervous system, such as improved blood flow. More blood goes to the skin, so that you lose more heat. This vasodilation often causes a red head. The sweat glands are also activated and you will perspire more. The moisture produced by sweat glands evaporates from the skin and draws heat from the body. How quickly your body temperature rises depends on the effort on such a hot day. If you don't do much, it won't rise as quickly. Even with a little wind you cool down faster. Do you occasionally go into the water? Then you even lose your heat 25 times faster. But if you do physical exertion, for example as a construction worker or during sports, your body temperature can rise by a degree within half an hour.”
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“On average, your body consists of five liters of blood. There must be enough blood to the organs, such as your brain, heart and kidneys. At high temperatures, the skin, a huge vascular bed, also needs enough blood to lose heat. This creates a kind of 'battle' between the organs. Your body pumps the blood around faster, but certain organs temporarily receive less blood and therefore function slightly less. This sometimes makes you feel tired and lifeless. Because you lose a lot of fluid – sometimes
three to five liters a day – it is important that you drink enough. Women generally perspire less than men because they have fewer sweat glands. My advice:try to continue with daily life, including sports. As a result, your body gets used to the heat faster.”
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