Heatwaves

Heatwaves are infrequent in Europe, but exposure to extreme heat can be a real assault on our bodies. There are a number of health risks associated with extreme heat: sunburn, dehydration, heatstroke, sunstroke, food poisoning after the cold chain has been broken, lack of sleep, occupational accidents, etc.

When the weather is hot, the human body adapts by sweating. Sweating is the most effective way of lowering our body temperature and keeping it at around 37 degrees, even when our surroundings are very hot. Our kidneys also adapt and vary the concentration of our urine in order to conserve water. As we age, our ability to adapt to heat (sweating, renal adaptation and the sensation of thirst) declines.