Almost invariably, a person is subject to the influence of the climate of the area where he lives. Over the years, the already established weather regime affects the health and performance of a person. Even if a person is already accustomed to the local climate, his body still reacts to the change of seasons, and some people who are affected by climate variability even with small fluctuations can perceive this quite painfully. And in this case, the dependence of a person on the climate becomes obvious, which, under the influence of certain factors, may be more active or may be in a depressed state.
By climate, it is necessary to mean not only changes in meteorological factors, but also solar and terrestrial radiation, atmospheric electricity, terrain and magnetic fields, that is, the whole complex of climate factors that can have a direct impact on the human body.
The influence of climate on human health has long been proven. At high air temperature, peripheral vessels expand, blood pressure decreases, blood is redistributed in the body and metabolism is inhibited. At low temperatures, peripheral vessels contract, blood pressure rises, the pulse quickens, and metabolism and blood flow increase.
Doctors can compare this or that effect of climate on a person's life, depending on his type. Also, different types of climate can have a variety of physiological effects on a person.
Based on these data, one can imagine how the climate affects a person, and what consequences it can cause to our body.
Rest in the winter at sea is the cherished dream of almost every person. And there is no better time to implement it than the New Year holidays. The almost two-week vacation of schoolchildren and students allows entire families to go on vacation to warmer climes together. But one of the most common reasons for refusing such trips is the danger of a sharp change in climate, which adversely affects health, both upon arrival at sea and upon returning home. On the first day of the new year, this topic is the most relevant, because someone has already managed to hear the chimes while in one of the exotic countries, and someone is just going to enjoy a well-deserved rest. MedAboutMe has prepared a number of tips for you to help you minimize the negative effects of sudden climate change on your body.
The so-called contrast rest for a healthy person will only benefit. A change of scenery, positive emotions, the opportunity to take a break from work and everyday fuss - all this is the best way to reflect on our well-being. Sea air strengthens respiratory system, and an excess of sunlight - to enrich the body with vitamin D. But it is best if such recharging, as they say, falls on the season, and all systems of our body are tuned to get the maximum benefit from rest.
Castling "winter-summer" is difficult for our body to perceive. The "biological clock" works according to a certain algorithm, which implies a gradual change in climate and gives a person time to adapt. Going on vacation to warmer climes, we drastically change not only geographic latitudes that are familiar to us, but also time zones. All this, together with a radical change in temperature and humidity, can lead to a decrease in immunity, poor health, exacerbations of chronic diseases and other unpleasant consequences.
Acclimatization is a phenomenon that not all tourists may encounter. It does not come immediately, but approximately on the 2-3rd day after arrival at a new place. The duration of acclimatization depends on the general condition of the human body and can range from a couple of days to several weeks. Its main manifestations include:
Often tourists take acclimatization for signs of SARS. In some cases, the reaction of the body to a sharp change in climate can be expressed by violations of the gastrointestinal tract.
Acclimatization is most difficult for people with initially weakened immunity and those who suffer from chronic diseases. Weather-dependent tourists will also have a hard time. It is not recommended to drastically change the climate for people with diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system, the elderly and children under the age of 3 years.
Ideal for the body is a rest for 15-20 days, which is enough for acclimatization and recovery. If you have any concerns about the upcoming vacation, it is best to first consult with your doctor about this. Also, to reduce the level of stress for the body during a sharp change in climate, it is necessary to take into account several simple rules. Let's consider them in more detail.
If you have already recovered from your vacation, advice on proper preparation for it is not so relevant for you. But those who are just about to change the gloomy winter weather for a sunny beach, keep in mind:
If you have a radical change in the time zone, start preparing your body for about a week, adjusting the daily routine.
Be careful with your choice of clothing. What to take with you depends on where you are going. If this is a country with a hot climate, you should give preference to light and spacious clothing made from natural materials that are well breathable and absorb moisture. Shoes should also be light and not squeezing the feet. This will help prevent swelling. Don't forget hats to keep you warm and sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
For people suffering from chronic diseases and daring to go to the sea in winter, the list of necessary drugs is determined by the attending physician. To combat the symptoms of acclimatization, you should take medicines for nausea, sore throat, high blood pressure, allergies, etc. and infectious diseases.
The main enemy for the health of vacationers using the services of tour operators is the abundance of food. All-inclusive packages doom us to overeating. Indeed, in the resort countries there are so many delicious things, and most importantly - free. But, if you do not intend to ruin your vacation, try to stick to your eating habits, do not experiment with unusual dishes and prefer light food.
In winter, the amount of liquid we consume is reduced. But, once in a hot climate, you must not forget to observe a full drinking regimen. Drinking enough water will help you avoid dehydration, heat stroke, and other health problems. In no case do not lean on alcohol. To maintain company and good mood, one low-alcohol cocktail is enough.
People who are going on vacation to another country must have all vaccinations according to the national vaccination calendar in the Russian Federation. But, if the trip is planned to certain countries, other vaccinations may be needed. For example, in Asia, the Pacific and Caribbean islands, Africa, Central and South America, the risk of contracting hepatitis A is high. Going to Vietnam, China, India, Thailand, Southeast Asia and South America, you need to protect your body from the rabies virus. And when traveling caribbean, in Africa, South and Central America, it is necessary to be vaccinated against yellow fever. Before planning your vacation, consult a doctor who will tell you how to extract maximum benefit from the trip and keep your health.
Feeling unwell can catch you not only on vacation, but also upon arrival home. After all, returning to the usual climatic conditions, your body is forced to rebuild again. Therefore, many people after the holidays complain of weakness and other manifestations of reacclimatization. To renew your strength, do not rush to go to work immediately after returning. Give yourself a few days to relax in your native land.
Take the test Decide which group of vacationers you belong to...Climate is a long-term weather regime inherent in a particular area, one of the main characteristics of nature and the geographical landscape. The climate is determined by the following factors: temperature and relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, quantity sunny days per year, the strength and direction of the wind, the amount of precipitation, etc. Conventionally, two bands of a tropical climate can be distinguished, two temperate and two cold. The weather conditions of a particular region depend not only on the climatic zone, but also on its geographical location. The farther one or another area is removed from the sea, the more strongly the seasons differ there. This feature is noticeable in Central Europe- in the north, a maritime climate dominates, while in the Alps the climate is completely different.
The weather conditions of a country or region greatly affect the way of life of the population. The climate determines which residential buildings are being built in a particular region, what is the daily routine and appearance residents. The impact of climate on health can be extremely negative.
Climatic conditions can have an irritating, calming and tonic effect on a person. In many countries there are many climatic resorts. When choosing a resort, you should consult with your doctor.
In those regions where climate fluctuations are weakly expressed, the human body is subjected to less stress than in those where the difference between the seasons is felt very strongly. True, certain climatic factors can affect human health, for example, ultraviolet rays are necessary for normal growth bones.
The amount of heat given off by the body depends on the air temperature. At low ambient temperatures and insufficient protection of the body, a person may freeze. At very high ambient temperatures, a person sweats more, so the body regulates body temperature. Sweating leads to a large loss of fluid, and this can adversely affect human health. At high altitude, due to too low pressure, the function of the labyrinth of the ear may be impaired - dizziness occurs; When inhaling air with a low oxygen content, altitude sickness can develop.
Some people are very sensitive to weather changes. Of course, the weather in this case is not the true cause of the deterioration of health, but only one of the factors that cause this condition. Such ailments are divided into increased sensitivity to weather changes, manifested in a decrease in working capacity, and "meteorological lability", in which pains of a rheumatic or neuralgic nature occur. Comparative observations have shown that certain weather can provoke the occurrence of certain diseases, deterioration of well-being and even death of patients suffering from certain diseases. When warm moves through the area atmospheric front, in patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, there is a deterioration in well-being. When a cold atmospheric front dominates, people suffer from colic and spasms.
Old people's statements that before winter was colder, and the summer was warmer, correspond to reality. When coal, oil and natural gas are burned, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released, and therefore the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Meteorologists believe that this warming will greatly affect the climate and health of the entire planet. It is assumed that the so-called "greenhouse" effect is the cause of many natural disasters. The destruction of the ozone layer, which filters the sun's rays, is extremely unfavorable for the planet's climate. because of advanced level ultraviolet radiation, the surface of the earth will become warmer, which will entail a change temperature regime, wind and rain patterns, sea level rise.
97 percent. It is 97% of climate scientists who fully agree that the warming trend of the climate over the past century is mainly due to human activities. 97% is the equivalent of scientific consensus. In other words, it's a scientific fact. For example: other scientific facts are round and evolution exists. Climate change is a problem for humanity, the environment and animals. This is an urgent problem that urgently needs to be addressed.
— Global rise in the temperature of the Earth's surface. Since 2001, 16 of the 17 hottest years have been recorded.
— Noticeable warming of the oceans.
— Melting Arctic sea ice.
- Disappearing ice "landmarks": the snow cover on Mount Kilimanjaro in Japan is steadily melting.
— Sea level rise: Global sea levels have risen by about 20 cm over the past hundred years.
Ocean Acidification: Acidity levels have increased by 30% since the start of the Industrial Revolution.
— Extreme events: there is a sharp increase in the number of destructive weather events.
Climate change and global warming should be a concern for many reasons; the main problems are related to the environment and human health, as well as the issue of survival. So how does climate change affect human health? Here are five serious ones.
The number of asthmatics has doubled since 1980. That's right: the potentially life-threatening condition has doubled dramatically in just four decades. Rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and warmer surface temperatures increase the amount of pollen in the air. That is, the number of molecules in pollen that provoke an allergic reaction increases in proportion to the level of CO2.
As mentioned, of the hottest 17 years ever recorded on the planet, 16 have been recorded since 2001. The very hot temperatures brought about by climate change are a real threat to human and animal life. By the way, one of the dangerous periods during a heat wave is the night when living beings are given a "break" from the scorching sunlight necessary to reduce body temperature and maintain health. However, nighttime temperatures have also risen and it is harder to cool off.
Droughts are long periods without precipitation, and they are constantly increasing in number, intensity, duration and scope (area of impact) around the world. Droughts provoke forest fires that destroy considerable regions of animal and human habitats, and contribute to the spread. All this poses a threat to people and animals, but especially animals, since their existence is completely dependent on water from precipitation and food on the surface.
Climate change has led to an increasing number of natural disasters: tornadoes, floods, droughts, forest fires - there are more and more of them. During the winter, more rain than snow began to fall in the Northern Hemisphere, and then this precipitation becomes the cause of black ice. As a result, this leads to an increase in accidents, power outages and injuries.
Due to climate warming, pests and diseases that destroy crops, forests and marine life began to feel more at ease. For example, they began to climb to a height (in the mountains) and cover everything large area territories, invading previously viable ecosystems. As a result, every living being (animal, plant, tree, flower and fish) is endangered. Among other things, food crops are being destroyed. Perhaps these same pests will witness how homo sapiens, the most intelligent species of living creatures on the planet, slowly but purposefully destroy itself.
Do you know that feeling when outside the window is freezing temperatures, rain, slush or snowfalls and huge snowdrifts - in a word, winter, and you dream of summer?! Perhaps you even put aside most of your salary for a trip, just to wave closer to the equator, where the summer is. all year round! The very idea of escaping from the depressive cold to the warm sea and crimson sunset looks so tempting! It is understandable, because winter, especially the cold one, lasts so long.
But it is unlikely that you think about how your body will react to a sharp change in climate. But as? This question should be asked to yourself if you decide to take a vacation in the winter and plunge into the waves. warm sea while your co-workers sigh in concern as they wrap themselves in a large wool scarf on their way to work.
So, how to get ready for a carefree winter vacation by the warm sea?
If you are serious about escaping winter, then the first thing you need to consider is that 10 days for your body to fully adapt will not be enough. Namely, for such a period they buy most of the vouchers in the winter season. This time is enough for you to sunbathe or even fry in places, eat fruit and buy souvenirs.
But with all the other charms, the first week will be stressful for your body. And only by the 7th or 8th day will your body adjust to the new climate and begin the healing process. If you can't afford to take long vacation, then it is better to choose a country with a smaller climatic difference for recreation. That is, if you have only 8-10 days to rest, then do not rush to buy a ticket to Goa, Thailand or the Dominican Republic, but prefer the countries of the Balkan Peninsula or Southern Europe. Of course, you won’t splash in the sea, but you won’t harm your health either.
Many travelers do not want to burden themselves with extra cargo winter clothes and therefore they go to the airport practically in summer outfits. As a result, fertile ground for the "landing" of immunity begins even before entering the plane.
At the airport, you cannot keep warm and dream of a warm blanket that you will be given on the plane. But on charter flights, as a rule, there are not enough blankets, so you will have to chill all the way. And, as for evil, it still pulls from somewhere. When you reach your exotic airport, it may be too late - you will spend your entire vacation with a temperature in the ill-fated hotel room. Therefore, do not spare space for warm clothes, no matter how inconvenient it may seem to you to transport it.
Whatever hot country If you are not flying, do not forget to take a first aid kit with you. Even if you have been traveling for 10 years in a row, and you have never needed it. "Once a year", as they say, but you yourself know. Make sure your first aid kit contains:
Medicines for food poisoning;
Pills for motion sickness;
Allergy remedies;
Cold medicines, antipyretics;
Means for the treatment of the ears, if an infection gets;
Sunscreens and sunscreens.
Take a couple of bottles of your usual water with you. In the first days upon arrival, try not to drink local water to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Wash vegetables and fruits that you buy in the markets with your own water. So you protect yourself, and your body will spend its energy on acclimatization, and not on bowel treatment.
Start preparing early. A few days before departure, control your drinking regimen. Try to drink as much clean water as an adult should - at least 1.5 liters per day. After all, soon your body will have to lose a lot of fluid. And if you drink enough, then soften the stress.
Of course, the body experiences stress upon arrival from a harsh winter to warmer climes. What tips should be adopted to make it easier to adapt?
Continuing the theme of water, if you want to avoid immune system failure and feel comfortable when you find yourself in a hot country, drink as much water as this formula displays:
X kg x 40 ml = the amount of water you should drink daily.
Vacation is exactly the time when we can afford a little extra. So, of course, we think. But our body does not agree with us. Refrain from drinking large amounts of alcohol for at least the first 5 days. Take care of yourself, your body is already under stress.
Eat more fruits, because this is one of the reasons why you wanted to get into the summer. Refrain from questionable and unfamiliar food, from large amounts of meat and fried foods. Gluttony can play a trick on you and you won't gain strength on vacation, but, on the contrary, leave them here, and then go home to recover.
Consider the moment that with a quick change in time zones, your biorhythms will go astray. Especially if the difference with your time is more than 4 hours. Desynchronosis - as this failure is called - can cause stress, which will further depress your immune system. Have a good rest after arrival and only then proceed to the entertainment program you have planned. Otherwise, it all comes down to one thing: the immune system will not cope with the process of acclimatization and you will only undermine your health.
Plan your vacation so that upon arrival you can relax for at least a day or two. Never go back to work. Just like after a flight into the heat, now your body is adapting, only to an aggressive environment. In the first week after a vacation, the risk of catching a cold increases several times. Do not help your body - and the whole vacation, all the sun and sea baths down the drain. Now it is very important to pay special attention to your regimen: eat more fruits, do not overexert yourself, avoid drafts and do not overcool the limbs.
We figured out the disadvantages and dangers of a trip to the sea in winter. But what about the pluses? We all know them, let's just refresh our memory.
Sea air will saturate your skin with useful elements, give it elasticity and moisturize it.
Sea salt will be the perfect healing mask for the whole body, which is so tired from the cold winter. The minerals contained in sea water, normalize the functioning of the immune system, iodine restores the functioning of the thyroid gland, and negative ions, which are found in excess in the sea, neutralize harmful, positively charged particles.
Sea waves are a natural hydromassage of the body, useful, and most importantly, pleasant muscle training. During swimming, blood circulation improves and blood vessels become toned.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood - all gastronomic pleasures will supply the body for a long time essential vitamins and microelements, filling the scarce gaps that the cold winter brings with it.
Rest on the sea is natural way to relieve all the stress accumulated over a long time. The noise of coastal waves, which is set off by the songs of the wind in narrow gorges and the restless cry of seagulls, is meditation, healing music for our nervous system.
So, we can conclude that a vacation in hot countries in winter is a truly wonderful event that will only benefit you if you approach it wisely. If you do everything right, then you will have only the best memories of your vacation and a truly strengthened immune system that will help you resist viruses for the rest of the hated, dull and cold winter.