Heat : children, the elderly, hypertensives and obese people at risk

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Extract from the article: The effects of heat are more severe for everyone. But even more so for certain people who are more vulnerable. Either because of the characteristics of their bodies, or because of their specific health conditions. These people need to take particular

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The effects of heat are more severe for everyone. But even more so for certain people who are more vulnerable. Either because of the characteristics of their bodies, or because of their specific health conditions. These people need to take particular care to protect themselves during hot spells.

We all need to apply the basic protective measures. For example, we need to wear suitable clothing, drink constantly and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours. However, those who are most vulnerable to the heat need to reinforce these measures. Among the groups most vulnerable to high temperatures are: children under the age of 5, people aged over 65, people suffering from chronic illnesses and those who engage in physical activity outdoors.

Children

Children's bodies lose water more quickly.As a result, they reach the point of dehydration more quickly.Unlike adults, children's bodies also generate heat more quickly.As a result, they need to be constantly monitored during hot spells or heatwaves. All children should be protected from the sun and their physical activity should be limited.

Children do not clearly perceive the first signs of dehydration, nor the effects of heat on their bodies.However, they are certainly more irritable and angry than usual.

The elderly

They are vulnerable because the body's thermoregulatory centre is located in the hypothalamus. This is a region of the brain that regulates the body's internal temperature. In the elderly, this function works more slowly because of age. Older people also feel less thirst. This puts them at greater risk of becoming dehydrated without realising it. They need to be constantly reminded to drink to avoid this danger.

What's more, older people sweat less than younger people. They therefore tend to retain more body heat. If the environment is humid, they sweat even less, so the risk of heatstroke is higher.

Hypertensives 

Excessive heat dilates the arteries and encourages dehydration. These two factors have a negative impact on people with high blood pressure. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor about adjusting medication during hot weather.It is important to have a medical check-up to prevent any unpleasant surprises.

Heart patients

High temperatures also affect cardiovascular health.This effect is more serious in people who already have fragile cardiovascular health. Heart disease limits the body's ability to eliminate heat from the body. As a result, there is a risk of overload.

In addition, heart patients generally take diuretic drugs.This leads to the constant elimination of water from the body and reduces the ability to perspire.These people are therefore relatively exposed to dehydration.

Obese people

Obese people also have great difficulty dissipating heat from their bodies.In general, they react to heat by sweating excessively.For the same reason, they lose fluids and mineral salts more easily and become dehydrated more often.

What's more, because overweight people have a greater volume of body fat, their temperature regulation is altered. They are therefore more susceptible to heatstroke.

Sportsmen and women and people who work outdoors

People who engage in intense physical activity outdoors are also more vulnerable to heatstroke. Direct exposure to the sun increases the impact of high temperatures. Exposure and physical activity make them more vulnerable to the risk of dehydration.So it's a good idea to protect yourself properly and, as far as possible, limit your activities to the hottest hours of the day. Finally, you need to stay constantly hydrated by drinking twice as much fluid as usual.

William O.