Protecting Your Brain from Summer Hazards: Sun Safety and Heat Stroke Prevention
by Angelia Tu
As summer approaches, many of us are looking forward to more time outdoors to enjoy the warm weather and sunny days. However, the summer heat also presents various risks to our brain health through prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity. It's crucial to recognize these risks as we prepare to safely enjoy the summer and take appropriate precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones during the hottest months of the year.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a severe condition triggered by the body's inability to cool down after extreme heat exposure. It can come in two types: 1) classic, caused by environmental heat exposure and poor cooling mechanisms, and 2) exertional, which happens during intense physical activity when the body generates more heat than it can release. Both can lead to severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, and unconsciousness. During heatstroke, the brain is particularly at risk of swelling and cell damage, potentially causing lasting neurological damage if not promptly treated. The mechanism behind the brain damage involves a combination of heat induced neuronal injury, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and inflammatory responses. Dangerous elevated temperatures can cause direct thermal damage to brain cells and proteins, leading to cellular dysfunction with unwanted proteins and ions to build up in the brain, causing an inflammatory response.
The Hidden Dangers of UV Rays
The strong summer rays can also lead to surprising effects on our brain health. While the danger the sun causes to our skin (melanoma, sunburns, etc.) is often talked about, fewer people are aware of its potential impact on our eyes and even our brains. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can contribute to eye conditions like cataracts, where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, resulting in blurry vision and discomfort in bright lights. However, emerging research is revealing a more hidden danger: UV exposure might also affect brain health indirectly. This connection is believed to stem from the systemic inflammation and circulatory damage caused by too much sun. When the skin is overexposed to UV rays, it can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can spread throughout the body, affecting various organs, including the brain. Excessive UV exposure can damage blood vessels and impair circulation, potentially leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Extreme Heat and Cognitive Functions
In addition to affecting physical brain structuring, research shows that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can slow cognition and impair mental performance, especially in tasks requiring memory, attention, and decision-making. Previous studies have indicated that people exposed to high temperatures for extended periods perform worse on cognitive tests than those in cooler environments, affecting even healthy individuals.
There are many factors that can contribute to this cognitive slowdown. Firstly, overexposure to heat can cause dehydration which reduces blood flow to the brain. Moreover, the body during overheating diverts blood to the skin to cool down, which further reduces brain blood and oxygen supply. Heat stress also increases the release of stress hormones like Cortisol, which in elevation is linked to mild cognitive impairments that can be a precursor to dementia/ Alzheimers. With summer around the corner, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself from these potential health risks.
Here are some key strategies to help you stay safe:
Stay Hydrated: The risk of heatstroke increases significantly with dehydration, so make sure to carry water with you at all times and drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: change into light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect sunlight and help regulate your body temperature. A wide sun hat can also provide shade and protect your face and neck.
Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily.
Seek Shade: Reduce your direct exposure to the sun, particularly during the peak intensity hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Using umbrellas or relaxing under shady areas can also greatly minimize your risk.
Schedule Outdoor Activities at appropriate times: Plan more strenuous activities for cooler times in the day, such as early morning or late evening. Also make sure to take regular breaks in shaded areas to prevent overheating.
Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and extreme fatigue. If these symptoms appear, take immediate steps to cool down and seek medical attention if necessary.
Protecting your brain this summer is crucial, not merely for comfort amidst the blazing sun, but also for maintaining long-term cognitive health and function. By actively using protective measures under the sun, you can enjoy all the pleasures of summer while ensuring that your brain remains healthy and protected.
References
Canada, H. (2022, January 26). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/fact-sheet-staying-healthy-heat.html
Epstein, Y., & Yanovich, R. (2019). heatstroke. The New England Journal of Medicine, 380(25), 2449-2459. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1810762
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 25). Heatstroke. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581
Shimazaki, T., Anzai, D., Watanabe, K., Nakajima, A., Fukuda, M., & Ata, S. (2022). Heat stroke prevention in hot specific occupational environment enhanced by supervised machine learning with personalized vital signs. Sensors, 22(1), 395. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22010395
Teja. (2024, March 28). Cortisol and cognition: How the stress hormone affects the brain. Aviv Clinics USA. https://aviv-clinics.com/blog/brain-health/how-cortisol-stress-hormone-affects-brain-health/#:~:text=Together%2C%20they%20control%20emotions%2C%20learning,can%20kill%20off%20brain%20cells.
