temperature chapter- c i m s s（温度一章我m s s - c）.docVIP

Temperature The health of any living creature is a function of its relationship with its environment. Body temperature is one indication of a healthy organism. Warm-blooded animals regulate their body temperatures internally by producing heat metabolically or by losing heat through radiation, conduction, and evaporation. The normal temperature of the human body is 37(C (98.6(F). We are able to maintain this body temperature under a wide range of environmental conditions due to biological and cultural adaptations. When our ability to maintain this temperature is under stress, we feel uncomfortable and may get sick, and in extreme conditions die. The interaction between the environment and our bodies is very complex, but our body temperature will change based on changes in our energy gains and losses. Weather conditions play an important role in determining our energy gains or losses, our ability to maintain our body temperature, and thus our health. For example, during very hot and humid summer days your body has difficulty maintaining a constant temperature(you gain more energy than you lose. Hot weather combined with physical exertion or too much exposure to the sun brings on heat exhaustion. Heavy physical activity causes your body to heat up and you perspire in an attempt to cool (the evaporation of sweat cools your skin). If the relative humidity is high, sweat doesnt evaporate making it hard for the body to cool off. Sweating helps cool the body but puts a stress on the body’s water balance, so during exercise you should drink proper amounts of water. Wearing improper clothing, drinking inadequate amounts of water, not getting enough rest, and experiencing hot, humid weather can all contribute to heat exhaustion or heat stroke( both serious health risks. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are: a drop in body temperature and blood pressure, cool and clammy skin, paleness, and profuse sweating. Untreated heat exhaustion may lead to a heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stro