Michael Mosley reportedly died of heat exhaustion. How can extreme heat be deadly?

British TV presenter and celebrity doctor Michael Mosley is missing last Wednesday while on vacation on the Greek island of Symi.

Four days later, his body was found. The coroner concluded that Mosley most probably died from natural causes. Greek police say they consider Mosley died in the realm On Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. local timejust a number of hours after he went for a walk.

The suggested the coroner that given Mosley’s age (67) and the incontrovertible fact that he was walking within the sun in rocky surroundings, “at some point the body will be exhausted.”

While the total coroner’s report has not yet been finalized, heat has been deemed a think about Mosley’s death. Greek police say Mosley is believed to have done it died of heat exhaustion after losing consciousness while walking at a temperature of 40°C.

This tragedy is a timely reminder of the risks of extreme heat.

When do hot conditions grow to be dangerous?

The level of physical activity and environmental conditions significantly influence the chance of developing heat-related diseases.

When we perform physical activity reminiscent of walking, the body produces heat as a byproduct. The more intense the motion, the more heat is generated. If this heat will not be lost, the body can experience a dangerous and potentially life-threatening increase in internal temperature.

The human body has two major ways of losing heat, either produced by the body or obtained from the environment.

First, the body tries to release heat to the environment by pumping warm blood to the surface of the skin. However, when the air temperature is higher than the skin temperature (roughly 35°C), this method becomes ineffective. Instead, the body begins to achieve heat from the environment.

Secondly, the body can produce sweat, which, when evaporated, has a cooling effect. However, in humid conditions, sweat on our skin has a harder time evaporating since the air already incorporates quite a bit of moisture.

High temperatures, sun exposure, humidity and physical activity can pose challenges to the human body. The combination of these aspects can be a recipe for disaster.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are part of a continuum of heat-related illnesses. If heat exhaustion will not be treated, it can grow to be heat stroke.

Symptoms heat exhaustion may present itself as weakness, headaches and nausea.

The more serious the progress to heatstroke is related to reaching an internal body temperature above 40°C and dysfunction of the central nervous system. This dysfunction may present as disorientation or disorientation and should lead to loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency through which central nervous system dysfunction and organ failure can ultimately result in death. In one study 58% of people who developed heat stroke, died inside a month.

Who is essentially the most vulnerable?

People may be more at risk of heat as a result of physiological or behavioral aspects. The combination of each may increase your risk.

Physiological heat sensitivity can be complex. The person could have a reduced ability to answer heat stress, e.g decreased ability to sweat, which regularly occurs in older people. Someone might also be more vulnerable because the heat worsens their condition basic health problemsreminiscent of heart disease.

People who’re unable to reply behaviorally to heat are also at greater risk. Regulating activity (reminiscent of stopping exercise), changing the environment (reminiscent of moving to the shade), and adopting cooling strategies (reminiscent of cooling the skin with a wet cloth) provide protection.

Someone may be unable to reply appropriately in the event that they don’t feel the necessity to act or are unable to control their activity and environment. For example, people’s ability to control risk may be impaired in the event that they perform paid manual labor, attend sporting events, or do not need access to shelter or cooling sources.

Underestimating the risks of extreme heat

If symptoms of heat illness are usually not addressed quickly, a dangerous cascade of events can occur that can ultimately result in death.

Taking motion early is very vital because symptoms of heat stroke include disorientation and disorientation, which can make decisions difficult. An individual affected by heatstroke may be unable to regulate their behavior, reminiscent of looking for shade.

Be careful when considering going out on hot days. This includes not underestimating environmental conditions, but additionally not overestimating your ability to address them.

Importantly, the air temperature given within the weather forecast is measured within the shade and doesn’t reflect additional solar energy.

5 ways to guard yourself

1. Plan ahead – avoid activity in the course of the hottest part of the day

2. If you are feeling hot and blue, go away from the heat source to a cooler place. This can be done indoors or in a shaded area outside

3. Keep your body adequately hydrated by providing access to and drinking non-alcoholic fluids

4. If you are feeling hot and uncomfortable, remove or loosen your clothes

5. Try to chill down in any way you can. Near a cool body of water? Take a shower under supervision. Alternatively, use a chilly water spray or apply a cool, damp cloth to the skin.