Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Hot Summer Temperatures

With hot summer temperatures around the country, being outside can place the body under excessive stress.

According to an article published in The New York Times, one common response to the heat is fainting, also called heat syncope. Fainting usually happens when a person has been standing for a long period of time or when they suddenly stand up.

In hot weather, blood vessels expand because the body is trying to cool itself down. Gravity will take into effect and cause blood to drain downward into the legs and feet, depriving the brain of oxygen. This ultimately leads to dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting.
If you ever witness a person suffering from this, you can raise their legs to direct the blood flow to the brain. When the person regains consciousness, give them water or a sports drink, since dehydration can increase the risk for other heat-related maladies.

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