Hypothermia: A Risk That Must Not Be Ignored
Hypothermia or hypothermia occurs when the body's normal defense mechanism against the cold becomes dysregulated. The "central" body temperature drops below 35°C, which can cause life-threatening reactions. Hypothermia can occur acutely or gradually over several hours or days. To understand this phenomenon, the body can be compared to an onion, consisting of several layers that provide protection against temperature fluctuations.
There is a thermostat in the brain that maintains the core temperature around 37°C. When body temperature rises, the body tries to dissipate excess heat quickly, while when it falls it increases metabolism due to muscle contractions or hormones, consuming more energy and releasing heat.
Physical exercise is another way to produce heat. About three-quarters of the energy used during exercise is converted into heat.
Precautions for Athletes
However, athletes must also watch out for hypothermia, especially after exercising in cold environments. The "wind chill factor," influenced by wind speed, plays a role. Low outside temperatures, combined with wind and wind-blown clothing, can cause the heat produced during sports to be insufficient.
In slow sports such as hiking, protection from cold and wind is crucial, especially for children who produce little body heat and lose relatively more heat. Children also have more skin surface area relative to body volume, so they lose more heat, especially through the head.
Alarms and Precautions
The effects of hypothermia vary depending on severity. Alarm phases include defense phase, exhaustion phase and paralysis phase. Precautions include listening to weather reports, adjusting equipment, avoiding excessive sweating, not drinking alcohol, appropriate diet and extra attention to children's clothing.
In cases of hypothermia, avoiding further cooling is essential. Wet clothing should be replaced with dry clothing if possible. Slow warming is necessary to prevent cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, medical attention should be sought.
Sports in winter offer many benefits, but awareness of hypothermia is crucial. With proper precautions, athletes can safely enjoy winter activities.
