How climate affects people: features, examples and interesting facts. How does climate affect people? Abrupt climate change, consequences Prepare for re-acclimatization

23.06.2020

To understand that climate is one of the most important factors affecting health, one does not need to be a doctor or a scientist. It is enough to recall how people differ in physiological indicators: endurance, strength, height and weight, features of addition, bone structure, etc. So, the inhabitants of many Asian countries have a special structure of the eyes; northerners have little coloring pigment - they are light-skinned, but Africans have more than enough of it: the structure of the human body is formed precisely by climatic conditions. Yes, and physical health and immunity are largely determined by the local climate. Now it's probably not worth explaining why climate change affects the health of adults and children. Why does acclimatization and adaptation occur when traveling to other continents, countries and even cities.

Now we will focus on what are the symptoms of climate change in humans, how to behave and how to help children adapt to the new climate.

How does it affect well-being

Russians, for the most part, are residents of the temperate zone, but in recent years, when the world has “expanded” for us, it has become fashionable to relax, “jumping” from winter to summer and back: warm countries have ceased to be just an unrealizable dream. Rest in a different temperature zone is quite real.

In an effort to fulfill these dreams and gain new experiences, we rarely think about how the change of time zones and a sharp change in climate affects the health of adults and children: after all, the summer we are “jumping into” does not look much like our Russian one.

The body somehow adapts (and what should it do?), but then you have to return and rebuild again: the shakes are not weak.

How does climate change affect health?

In our time, the health and well-being of most people is affected not only by the climate, but also by a simple change in the weather: before rain or snow, “meteorologically dependent” people, now singled out as a special category, experience malaise, pain in the joints and muscles, pressure drops, etc. d.

Climate is not an abstract concept, but a whole “set” of different components. In addition to air temperature, the level of its humidity, and the amount of oxygen, atmospheric pressure and even air humidity are important. The features of the weather are very significant: for example, a person is used to a shorter daylight hours, but falls into a long one, or vice versa.

UV radiation is also different everywhere: somewhere the sun is hidden by clouds, and its rays glide over the surface of the planet, and somewhere there is a clear sky and a scorching sun from early morning. Climatic factors include both water and food: after all, they are also part of the area, and can vary greatly in composition and degree of digestibility.

acclimatization symptoms

How does the human body react to climate change? When moving to a region with a climate that differs sharply from the climate in the place of residence, acclimatization - as experts call the process of adaptation to environmental conditions - can be very difficult for the body. The state of health can change, and one state is replaced by another.

The main symptoms of climate change

During the first 2-3 days, a person may feel severe weakness, dizziness, nausea; I don’t want to eat - drowsiness overcomes, but sleep “does not go”. After a couple of days, the state changes: increased excitability and even hyperactivity appear, blood circulation increases, and it is generally difficult to fall asleep, although the body gets tired. At the 3rd stage, which can last up to 10 days, physiological functions - metabolism, respiration, digestion, etc. - change, "adjusting" to new conditions. At this time, body temperature may rise, heart rate increases, and immunity decreases, etc.

This pattern of climate change symptoms is not a law. Everything is individual: many people do not complain at all about the difficulties with acclimatization - they just feel a slight weakness in the first days, but there are also a lot of those who have similar problems. Physicians, as often happens, do not give exact answers; perhaps a lot depends on age and general health, endurance, fitness, nervous type, constitution, etc. It is more important for us to know how to avoid these problems, and, as far as possible, maintain good health.

How to deal with climate change

Before traveling to another climate zone, you should know and follow a few rules. They are easy. Prepare for climate change thoroughly: take the clothes and things you really need to protect yourself from the heat (cold).

Form a small first aid kit, and carry it with you at all times - even in your purse. Find out in advance which medications are allowed in the country you are traveling to so you don't run out of medication later. Because finding a pharmacy without knowing the local language is sometimes unrealistic.

You shouldn’t “pounce” on exotic dishes in the first days in order to “have time to try everything”, and it’s better to give up alcohol altogether - at least until you “even out” your well-being: the body already has enough stress.

If you show a little patience in advance and prepare the body for changes, it will thank you: adaptation to climate change will take place quickly and without any problems.

Tune in to a different time zone while you're still at home: gradually learn to go to bed and get up a few hours earlier (later), adding 15-30 minutes daily. Try to change your diet too: shift meals to early morning or late night, if necessary - then upon arrival in another part of the world it will be easier for the body to rebuild. Plan your flight in such a way that you arrive at the place not in the morning, but in the evening, and go to bed: it is better to see the sights in a rested state.

At home, before the trip itself, it is also worth getting enough sleep. Get ready for the trip in advance - do not leave this important matter for the last day.

How to help kids adjust

When planning trips to other countries, special attention should be paid to the adaptation and acclimatization of young children.

It is more difficult for children to adapt to climate change than adults: they react more sharply to any changes, from temperature changes to the composition of drinking water, and the difference in time zones is generally the strongest stress for the child's body. Pediatricians advise getting to vacation spots by a mode of transport that will allow you to get used to time zones gradually - for example, by train or car, if possible. Of course, with trips to warm countries like Thailand, this will not work.

It is better not to go to the humid tropics with kids at all, especially with those who often catch colds and get sick with SARS. Anything is possible, not worth the risk.

If the child is under 3 years old, do not take him with you to distant countries (especially to another hemisphere) for a week or two: immunity, due to acclimatization "back and forth", can be seriously affected - then it will take a long time to restore boring." If you really need to travel with a child, go for a longer period: doctors believe that it is better - for the whole summer, or at least for at least a month.

It is imperative to prepare the child for the change of time: 1-2 weeks before departure, begin to gradually change the time of sleep-wake, and it is better to do this, if possible, with the whole family. Hardening will also help - for healthy children. Let the child walk barefoot (from 5 minutes a day and add the same amount); takes air baths (from 5-10 minutes) - with the windows closed, then open, and then - in the air. An excellent way of hardening is contrast pouring over the legs: here you need to consult a pediatrician. By the way, the doctor can also prescribe a course of vitamins for the baby in order to strengthen the immune system before the upcoming loads.

In another country, do not violate the regime: the child must sleep (at least 8 hours, plus 1-1.5 hours during the day) and eat at the same time - the way he is used to. In hot countries, lunch should be light, not burdening the stomach, and calories can be added at breakfast and dinner. The local cuisine, if it is different from ours, is better for the baby not to try at all; older children can wait 2-3 days with this.

I'm not the only one missing the hot sun. According to the statistics of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, for the winter holidays, most Russians prefer to fly from winter to summer: to Thailand, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic ... On average, for 10 days. And this time is enough to get a tan, but not to, having changed the climate, to relax without any harm to health.

The impact of acclimatization on human health

“Our body is naturally programmed for seasonality,” says Dmitry Erzin, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, General Director of Doctor Bio LLC. - And during the cold season, minus temperatures are natural for us, but not +30. A sharp change in climate in winter is stressful for the body.

In a good way, you need to fly to warm countries in winter for at least three weeks. “The body adapts to the heat for at least three days, completely rebuilds to a new climate in 7-8 days, and then if you follow all the safety rules,” says Dmitry Erzin. - Therefore, if you flew to Egypt for a week, then you will really start to relax only when it is time for you to go home. But with a two-week vacation, you will have at least 6-7 days without acclimatization.”

If you cannot afford a vacation of the required duration, it is better to choose a country with a climate that is closer to us for a trip. For one week it is better to go, for example, to the Czech Republic or the Baltic States, and not to the Dominican Republic.

Acclimatization rules

If you still fly from winter to summer, when changing climate, you need to remember that acclimatization is not just a process in which the body itself adjusts to new conditions for it. He needs to help in this, observing the following rules.

1. Pack your suitcase, putting the right things in it. If you are going into a real heat, clothes should be made of natural absorbent fabrics, spacious and light, so that you do not overheat. Shoes should be such that the feet in them do not get tired and do not swell. The best option, especially for overweight people, is sandals without a heel with orthopedic soles.

2. Don't forget the first aid kit. A person with a chronic disease does not need to be reminded of this. However, against the backdrop of a stressful climate change, something can go wrong in a practically healthy body. Due to the heat, pressure can jump up, allergies can appear due to unusual food. So, just in case, collect everything you need: analgesics, antispasmodics, remedies for indigestion, personal hygiene products, hand sanitizer ... For children - all the same medicines in a children's dosage.

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.

organism

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.

With temperature fluctuations, changes occur in the human nervous system. So, at a high temperature, there is a decrease in excitability, and at a low temperature, excitability increases. The reaction of the rest of the body systems directly depends on the reactions of the nervous and circulatory systems, as well as metabolism. But the scheme of reactions can vary depending on the degree, duration and rate of change in ambient temperature, and the individuality of each person and the level of his acclimatization to certain conditions also play an important role. Experiencing all the processes of climate variability, the body develops thermoregulatory reflexes that provide resistance to various temperature fluctuations.
Air humidity, first of all, affects heat transfer, which affects the body's thermoregulatory functions. Air masses can cool the human body if they are cold, and if they are hot, they will therefore heat the body. Under the influence of wind, the thermoreceptors of the skin are irritated first of all, and irritation can be pleasant, or it can cause negative sensations. At an altitude after 300-800 meters above sea level, a person can react to a change in barometric pressure with hyperventilation of the lungs, as well as changes in the circulatory system. When the height increases, all these reactions become even more pronounced, the content of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood increases. When a person is at a height with a pressure of 500-600 mm Hg. Art. in combination with low temperature and solar radiation, it enhances the metabolic process, which can have a beneficial effect on certain pathological processes. Therefore, sick people are not recommended a sharp change in climate and barometric pressure.
Seasonal fluctuations, as a rule, cause a change in the activity of physiological functions in a person, with a change in the reactions of the nervous system, the activity of the endocrine glands, metabolic processes and heat transfer. If a person is healthy, then he practically does not react to such changes as, for example, the change of seasons, due to the adaptability of the organism to this. On the contrary, sick people can take it very painfully, with a deterioration in their general condition and exacerbation of diseases.

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.

Climate

The maritime climate, with fresh, humid air saturated with sea salt, combined with blue distances and continuously running waves, in almost any case has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Beautiful coasts, especially of the southern seas or oceans, where solar radiation is reflected and there are no sharp temperature fluctuations, contribute to the activation of the normal balance between the processes of excitation and inhibition in the nervous system, and also normalize various physiological processes of the body if pathological changes are present in it. As therapeutic measures, these climatic conditions have an effect on trophic and metabolic processes, which contributes to the elimination of a disease state, and in the body of a healthy person they can enhance adaptive physiological reactions.
A mountainous climate, with low pressure, high altitude, sharp changes in temperature day and night, and fresh air can prove that the influence of climate on human activity can become stimulating. Under such conditions, the excitability of the nervous system increases, the activation of psychological processes, and, consequently, labor productivity can increase. No wonder so many people of a creative nature are inspired in mountain settlements, with beautiful nature and fresh air.
The desert climate is dry and hot air, hot dust, and makes adaptation processes work in an enhanced mode, which is not a favorable factor. Dry and hot weather causes a person to increase fluid excretion, up to 10 liters per day.
The climate of the north, with the monotony of the plains, winter cold and cold, is considered a good hardening agent. Metabolism is enhanced by increased heat generation. All body systems are stabilized.

Based on these data, one can imagine how the climate affects a person, and what consequences it can cause to our body.

97 percent. It is 97% of climate scientists who fully agree that the warming trend 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.

What are the signs of climate change?

— 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.

1. Allergies and Asthma

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.

2. Heat waves

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 at 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.

3. Drought

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.

4. Natural anomalies

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.

5. Destruction of crops, forests, marine life

As the climate warms, pests and diseases that destroy crops, forests and marine life have become more at ease. For example, they began to climb to heights (mountains) and cover an increasing area of 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.

People are constantly influenced by the climate of the area where they live. One and the same weather regime has a certain impact on the performance and well-being of a person. Even if the latter is used to one thing, the seasonal change of weather still affects him to some extent.

Moreover, some individuals, who are scientifically called meteopaths, perceive the metamorphoses that occur with the weather very painfully.

The very concept of "climate" includes several phenomena: a change in meteorological indicators, atmospheric electricity, solar radiation, landscape, etc. That is, this whole complex of factors has a certain effect on the body.

The impact of climate on human health

Individual elements affect a person in different ways. For example, a high ambient temperature provokes the expansion of peripheral vessels, a decrease in blood pressure and the rate of metabolic processes, and redistribution of blood in the body occurs.

But when the thermometer is low, there is a reduction in peripheral vessels, an increase in pressure, an increased pulse, increased blood flow and an increase in the rate of metabolic processes.

What effect do environmental factors have?

The nervous system at high temperatures reduces its activity, and at low temperatures, on the contrary, excitability increases. Other body systems act in a similar way. Basically, they depend on the reaction of metabolism, circulatory and nervous systems. However, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the organism, as well as the degree, duration and speed of the temperature difference. A person's ability to acclimatize also plays a role: for some it is better, for others it is almost absent. In the process of life, people develop conditioned reflexes of thermoregulation, which in the future are responsible for the body's resistance to air temperature;
Air humidity is also important. This factor affects heat transfer, which, accordingly, affects the thermoregulation of the body. The movement of cold air cools the body, hot - heats;
The wind at the same time irritates the thermoreceptors on the skin. Depending on the strength of this phenomenon, it can cause negative or positive emotions;
If the height of the terrain above sea level is 200 m and above, then the barometric pressure indicators change, which the body reacts by changing blood circulation and hyperventilating the lungs. The higher the terrain, the stronger the reaction of the body. This increases the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. Stay in an area with a pressure of 500-600 mm Hg. Art., low temperature, ultraviolet radiation provokes an acceleration of the metabolic process, which is sometimes quite effective in the presence of pathological processes. Usually healthy people do not react to slight fluctuations in barometric pressure, but sick people feel it as well as possible.

Seasonal fluctuations in the weather regime provoke a change in physiological functions. The nervous system, metabolic processes, heat transfer, endocrine glands react in a completely different way. A healthy person, thanks to adaptive physiological mechanisms, does not react to such, while a sick person feels changes very keenly.

In the field of medicine, there are several types of climates that are capable of exerting a certain physiological effect on the body, using all their components.

Climate Change to Marine: Health Benefits

Such conditions suggest moist, fresh, sea-salt-saturated air. The sea, its blue distance and slowly running waves always have a positive effect on the human nervous system.
The picturesque coast of the sea, especially the southern one, reflected solar radiation, the absence of sudden changes in temperature - these factors normalize all body functions during the pathological process. A striking example is the climate of the Crimea. In addition, the processes of inhibition and excitability in the central nervous system are balanced.
Against the background of such conditions, various types of therapy have a deeper effect on the course of metabolic and trophic processes. As a result, the pathological condition is eliminated. For example, the climate of Crimea is ideal for health. At the same time, the trip will bring benefits not only to sick people, but also to completely healthy people - their adaptive functions will increase.

Climate change to mountainous: impact on health

Exciting effect occurs when staying in highlands. This is facilitated by low barometric pressure at high altitude, sharp changes in day and night temperatures, fresh air, and landscape. Increased excitability of the nervous system stimulates metabolic processes.

Low pressure enhances the hematopoietic functions of the bone marrow. These phenomena can be attributed to favorable stimuli. Going to the mountains is recommended for those who need to stimulate sluggish pathological processes.
At the same time, an increase in the metabolic rate balances the nervous processes, which stimulates the immune system. As a result, the body strengthens the fight against existing diseases.

Impact of temperate zone climate on human health

The conditions of the steppes and forests are characterized by slight temperature fluctuations, moderate and stable humidity. These factors are good training for the body of healthy people. Patients are also advised to visit such an area, since the local regime will not cause harm.
The middle lane is characterized by a clear change of seasons - winter, spring, summer and autumn. A change in weather conditions is necessarily accompanied by a change in physiological reactions.
Ultraviolet radiation is sufficient here, the weather conditions are stable.

This allows the climate to be used for people with quite different pathologies. It will be especially good for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.

Climate and health in the desert

Hot air, plains covered with sparse vegetation, hot dusty soil - these factors inherent in the desert climate provoke an overstrain of adaptive reactions. For the patient, this situation is not always favorable.
For example, persistent dry and hot weather leads to the problem of profuse sweating and a person can lose up to 10 liters of fluid per day. However, this method of dehydration through the skin is used to treat people suffering from kidney disease.

Climate and human health in northern latitudes

Monotonous plains, sometimes covered with forests, lakes, cold winters, short, warm, humid summers - these factors are inherent in northern areas.

Staying here will be an excellent workout for the body, as it has a hardening effect.
With increased heat generation, the rate of metabolic processes increases, the regulatory nervous mechanisms of the respiratory and vascular systems are activated, and this, in turn, has a positive effect on physiological functions. It is recommended to be treated in these latitudes for many patients, especially the elderly.

Which climate is best for health

Moving from one zone to another activates the human body, causes favorable emotions, but only on condition that it is healthy. Rest from work, life, change of air, change in other environmental factors - all this has a good effect on the physical and emotional state.