Seniors and heat: fans are almost always in Quebec

This is the second phase of a study whose first results had shown. For example. Consequently, last November, that the use of a fan reduced heart work during an exposure to heat of 38 degrees Celsius with 60% humidity.

“The global objective of the project is to identify strategies that are simple to reduce the physiological responses of. Consequently, the human body during the exposure to heat. Furthermore. Nevertheless, ” summed up the author of the study, Daniel Gagnon, who is a professor at the school of kinesiology and physical activity sciences at the University of Montreal and regular researcher at the Montreal Cardiology Institute.

In the United States. Consequently. In addition, the very influential Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Not recommend the use of fans at temperatures exceeding 32 degrees for fear of seniors heat: fans almost always new body overheating.

To see too | How to explain extreme weather phenomena in seniors heat: fans almost always Quebec?

Professor Gagnon. In addition. Additionally, In addition, his colleagues, especially at the University of Sydney in Australia, however, there are different conclusions after studying sixty elderly subjects on average of 70 years and half of which had heart disease. For example, This has noted them that in the event of humid heat reaching up to 38 degrees. Nevertheless, the use of the fan is beneficial, as it reduces both body temperature and heart work in the elderly.

The use of the fan is not recommended for the elderly in the event of dry heat greater than 42 degrees. Consequently, since it significantly increases body temperature as well as heart work. For example, Under these conditions. Consequently, it would be preferable to opt for water vaporization on the skin, a seniors heat: fans almost always new method that helps reduce heart stress.

From a Quebec. Consequently. probably Canadian perspective where temperatures rarely exceed 38 degrees, seniors heat: fans almost always the authors of the study therefore estimate that the use of the fan is almost always recommended.

“In very intense. Additionally. Consequently, dry heat conditions, the use of a fan has worsened all the results and should be not recommended under these conditions,” they write in the Jama Network Open medical newspaper. The humidification of the skin has reduced perspiration. improved perceptions under both heat conditions and could be recommended to minimize the risk of dehydration. ”

During a heat of 38 degrees with 60 % humidity, said Mr. Gagnon. the use of the fan decreases somewhat the increase in internal temperature. even if it increased “a little bit” the production of sweat.

To see too | “Unpleasant”: residents in CHSLD face heat

The seniors heat: fans almost always new spray of water on the skin. when using the fan at this time. had no impact on the internal body temperature, but seniors heat: fans almost always reduced the production of sweat.

However. during very hot. dry conditions of 45 degrees and 15 % humidity, “the fan was really bad, therefore dangerous, because it increased the internal temperature more, it increased more the production of sweat and people felt worse,” said Gagnon.

“The simple message to remember is essentially that up to 38 degrees. the fan will be effective in reducing our physiological responses when it is hot,” he said. And probably at 42 degrees and more, this is where the fan widespread things. ”

In Quebec.. more generally in North America, hot temperatures usually be around thirty degrees Celsius, recalled Professor Gagnon, and are accompanied by humidity that goes from moderate to high.

A mercury of 40 or even seniors heat: fans almost always new 50 degrees Celsius and weak humidity are more reality elsewhere in the world, he added.

And even if the outside thermometer crosses the 40 degree mark, he continues, this does not mean that the fan is no longer effective, since the important thing is the temperature inside the home. It is therefore enough that he does a few degrees less inside so that we can use the fan. to cool off.

This essentially corresponds to the recent recommendations of the World Health Organization, said Mr. Gagnon, “who suggests that the fan can be effective up seniors heat: fans almost always new to 38 degrees, even 40 degrees”.

“We bring a little more clarity than (the fan) can be effective beyond 32 degrees Celsius,” he said.

As we get older. seniors heat: fans almost always he recalled. he has been demonstrated in the laboratory that the body loses a little of its ability to refresh itself by producing sweat, “so the body undergoes a little more physiological stress, if I can popularize it thus”.

The body of a young sportsman in very good shape is “resilient”. continued the researcher. “the body will sweat, the heart rate will increase, and then it may be uncomfortable, but it is without consequences for health”.

But to the other extreme. in the case of an elderly person whose state of health is a little more fragile. “perhaps the physiological response will not be very strong,” said Mr. Gagnon.

“It may be the drop that will seniors heat: fans almost always new overcome the vase,” he warned. If the heart is already weakened. perhaps having to work stronger (in response to heat) could lead to a heart attack. If the kidneys are weakened. if there is seniors heat: fans almost always a kidney disease. sweating and being potentially dehydrated (could lead) to acute renal lesions. “

Beyond health benefits, said Mr. Gagnon. the new study could allow seniors who have access to air conditioning to save money by increasing the temperature of their air conditioner. using a fan to finish refreshing.