Extreme heat is more than uncomfortable. When the body struggles to release heat, the strain can reach the brain, heart, kidneys, digestive system, muscles, and the body's cellular repair systems. Introduction Heat stress begins when environmental heat, physical activity, humidity, clothing, dehydration, or a combination of these factors makes it increasingly difficult for the body to maintain a safe internal temperature. If the heat load continues, early symptoms such as thirst and fatigue can progress to heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heatstroke. The World Health Organization describes heat stress as a major environmental and occupational health hazard. As the body works harder to cool itself, heat places particular strain on the cardiovascular system and kidneys and can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and mental health conditions. Western medicine explains these effects through thermoregulation, circulation, fluid balance, inflammation, and c...
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