Module 5 - Heat

Question 1

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 1

The hypothalamus is a small area in the center of the brain. It helps produce hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, hunger, and the sleep-wake cycle.

Question 2

What is the function of vasoconstriction?

Answer 2

To constrict blood flow.

Question 3

Vasoconstriction may occur to…

Answer 3

Stabilize blood pressure or raise blood pressure, reduce loss of body heat in cold temperatures, control how blood is distributed throughout your body, send more nutrients and oxygen to organs that need them, protect your body against blood and fluid loss

Question 4

What is vasodialation?

Answer 4

Vasodilation is the medical term for when blood vessels in your body widen, allowing more blood to flow through them and lowering your blood pressure

Question 5

What is the function of vasodialation?

Answer 5

To increase blood flow to the tissues in the body.

Question 6

How does the hypothalamus regulate heat?

Answer 6

The hypothalamus checks our current temperature and compares it with the normal temperature of about 37°C. If our temperature is too low, the hypothalamus makes sure that the body generates and maintains heat.

Question 6

What is vasoconstriction?

Answer 6

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls.

Question 6

When your skin and core temperature drops, you experience…

Answer 6

Vasoconstriction and shivering to keep warm blood near your core and produce heat.

Question 6

How does vasoconstriction help you in cold weather?

Answer 6

When your skin and core temperature drops, you experience vasoconstriction and shivering to keep warm blood near your core and produce heat

Question 7

How does vasodialation help you in hot weather?

Answer 7

When you heat up, you vasodilate – sending blood out towards the skin surface, allowing heat to dissipate into the environment while activating sweat glands to utilize evaporative cooling.

Question 8

What four categories impact heat transfer?

Answer 8

Conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation

Question 9

What is heat conduction?

Answer 9

The transfer of thermal energy between two objects by direct contact.

Question 10

What is convection?

Answer 10

Is the transfer of heat from one place to another due to the movement of fluid.

Question 11

what is radiation?

Answer 11

Radiation heat transfer is a process where heat waves are emitted that may be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted through a colder body.

Question 12

What is evaporation?

Answer 12

Transfer of heat that occurs when water changes from a liquid to a gas.

Question 13

What is the purpose of cooling the skin?

Answer 13

The purpose of cooling the skin is to cool the blood shunted to the skin from deeper aspects of the body (organs, muscles)

Question 14

How do humid conditions affect evaporation?

Answer 14

If exercising in humid conditions, the degree of evaporation is substantially lessened. Thus, exercising in hot and humid conditions can prove dangerous because of a lack of evaporative cooling.

Question 15

The more body fat an individual have, the less efficient they will be at….

Answer 15

Dissipating body heat.

Question 16

What are the two categories of heat illness?

Answer 16

Classic and Exertional

Question 17

What is classic heat illness?

Answer 17

Classic heat illness is a direct result of the environment; high temperature and humidity, strong direct sun exposure, and still air

Question 18

What is exertional heat illness?

Answer 18

Exertional heat illness, results from an athlete’s own heat production, which can happen in all types of weather.

Question 19

Heat-related illnesses can range from…..

Answer 19

mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening

Question 20

What are types of heat-related illness

Answer 20

Heat edema, heat rash, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke?

Question 21

What is heat edema

Answer 21

Is the result of fluid build-up due to vasodilation.

Question 22

What causes heat edema?

Answer 22

Heat causes the blood vessels to expand (dilate), so body fluid moves into the hands or legs by gravity.

Question 23

What is a heat rash?

Answer 23

A skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin.

Question 24

What is heat syncope?

Answer 24

Heat syncope is fainting or dizziness as a result of overheating.

Question 25

What causes heat syncope?

Answer 25

Heat syncope occurs when an individual in a hot environment does not have adequate blood flow to the brain, causing the person to lose conciousness.

Question 26

What is heat exhaustion?

Answer 26

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Because of a lack of hydration and minerals, the capillaries of the body reduce in size, thereby reducing the body’s effectiveness in cooling itself.

Question 27

What is heat stroke?

Answer 27

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body cannot cool down.

Question 28

What is the goal of treating heat illness?

Answer 28

The primary goal is to rapidly decrease core body temperature (below 100.4F or 38C); this protects the athlete’s brain and vital organs.

Question 29

What are the three main categories of heat-related illnesses that relate to elevated core temperature?

Answer 29

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke

Question 30

What are heat cramps?

Answer 30

muscle spasms that result from loss of large amount of salt and water through exercise. Heat cramps are associated with cramping in the abdomen, arms and calves.

Question 31

What causes heat cramps?

Answer 31

A combination of your rising body temperature and a loss of electrolytes through sweat.

Question 32

How do you treat heat cramps?

Answer 32

Heat cramps (not exercise-based) are often treated with cessation of activity, moving to a cool, shaded area, and drinking an electrolyte-based beverage.

Question 33

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Answer 33

Dizziness, Heavy sweating, Confusion, Nausea, Weak, rapid pulse, Low blood pressure, Excessive thirst, Hyperventilation, Loss of appetite, and Anxiety

Question 34

How do you treat heat exhaustion?

Answer 34

The athlete must stop activity and move to a shady, cool location. The individual should be given an electrolyte drink and cooled with a fan and/or wet cloths. Additionally, the person should be positioned in the supine position with legs elevated. Medical personnel should be called to check and monitor the athlete.

Question 35

What causes a heat stroke?

Answer 35

Heat stroke is caused by the body’s lack of water and electrolytes. Effectively, the body is shutting down.

Question 36

What are symptoms of a heat stroke?

Answer 36

Rapid heart rate, No sweating, High body temperature (>39), Red, dry skin, Confusion, Vomiting, Nausea ,Erratic behavior, Difficulty breathing, Constricted pupils

Question 37

What’s the most important thing to do when someone experiences a heat stroke?

Answer 37

The most important thing to do is lower the individual’s body temperature immediately and get emergency personnel on-site.

Question 38

How can you prevent heat-related illnesses?

Answer 38

By staying properly hydrated, acclimating to heat gradually, taking breaks, wearing proper clothing (e.g., light colors, wicking), and being aware of the body’s response to the heat.