The heatwave that has struck Greece has been linked to a series of deaths and missing persons cases – KNfins

The heatwave that has struck Greece has been linked to a series of deaths and missing persons cases

Michael Mosley, a renowned British doctor and television presenter, was found dead this month after going for a walk in scorching temperatures on the Greek island of Simi, one of several tragic incidents that have marked the start of the Greek summer, where temperatures frequently exceeded 40°C.

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In addition to him, a Dutch tourist was found dead in Samos, while an American was discovered dead in Mathraki. Albert Calibet, another American tourist, has been missing since June 11, when he set out for a hike in Amorgos. On Sikinos, two French women have been reported missing after going for a walk on the island.

Although authorities are still investigating the exact causes of death, there is a clear warning about the risks associated with high temperatures. Petros Vassilakis, a spokesperson for the South Aegean Police, told Reuters that a distinct pattern is emerging: all were walking on foot in extreme heat.

These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need to understand how extreme heat affects the human body, particularly during outdoor activities, and to take measures to protect tourists and residents during exceptionally hot weather periods.

Some scientists emphasize that what is happening in Greece serves as a warning about the severe effects of extreme heat on the human body, particularly the brain. They caution that extreme heat can cause confusion, impair decision-making, and distort people’s risk perception.

As climate change continues to intensify longer and more severe heatwaves, researchers are investigating how the human brain will respond to these extreme conditions.

While traditional research has primarily focused on the effects of extreme heat on muscles, skin, lungs, and the heart, there is growing awareness that the brain plays a crucial role. Damian Bailey, a professor of physiology and biochemistry at the University of South Wales, argues that the brain is the “master key” of the body. He explains that the hypothalamus, a diamond-shaped structure in the brain, acts like a thermostat, coordinating fine adjustments to keep the body temperature at around 37°C. In extreme heat, the hypothalamus triggers mechanisms like sweating and blood vessel dilation to cool the body down.

Yes, the brain is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and even small increases can have significant effects on its function. People often experience sluggishness and fatigue on hot summer days, reflecting the challenge high temperatures pose to the human body.

As the heat increases, the negative effects can worsen, including dehydration and reduced blood flow to the brain, as Damian Bailey explains. He compares the brain to a large truck that requires substantial resources to function efficiently. In tests conducted in an environmental simulation, Bailey observed that a rise in temperature from 21°C to 40°C led to a 9% to 10% reduction in cerebral blood flow.

“This is a big problem because it means that not enough fuel is being delivered to an engine that is constantly running at high speed,” Bailey commented.

These changes have profound impacts on brain function, as highlighted by Kim Meidenbauer, a neuroscientist at Washington State University. Extreme heat can disrupt the neural networks responsible for functions such as clear thinking, reasoning, memory, and idea formulation, leading to a noticeable imbalance.

These findings underscore the critical importance of understanding how extreme heat affects the human brain and the need for strategies to mitigate its effects, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent due to global climate change.

Exposure to extreme heat not only makes it harder to manage complex decisions, such as choosing a route during a hike that requires weighing various factors, but it can also increase the tendency for impulsive behavior and risky decisions, as Kim Meidenbauer points out.

In addition to the difficulty in assessing risks properly, impaired cognitive function can have serious consequences. Meidenbauer emphasizes that we are not just dealing with inconveniences like sunburns but potentially life-threatening situations caused by poor decisions during moments of impaired judgment.

Scientists are only beginning to understand the extent of heat’s impact on the brain, not just in terms of decision-making but also concerning mood, emotions, and mental health. Meidenbauer highlights that our current knowledge of these effects is very limited, and there are many unknowns yet to be explored.

These insights highlight the urgent need for ongoing research and effective measures to protect people during extreme heat periods, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such events.

Extreme heat poses a significant risk to various populations, especially the most vulnerable. Elderly people over 65 are particularly at risk, as their bodies may no longer regulate temperature as efficiently as before. This age group was the most affected among the missing in Greece, most of them over 50 years old.

In addition to older people, very young children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, including mental illnesses, are at greater risk during periods of extreme heat.

However, heat can be dangerous for anyone. A study in Boston during a heatwave showed that university students without air conditioning experienced significant declines in cognitive performance. This underscores that no one is immune to the negative health effects of heat, as emphasized by Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent, assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

Damian Bailey emphasizes that even fit individuals who are aware of the dangers and stay well-hydrated can still face risks when hiking in very high temperatures. “Poor decisions can cost lives,” he warns.

These findings underscore the critical importance of taking appropriate precautions during extreme heat periods and raising awareness of the associated risks, regardless of age or physical condition.

To protect oneself and reduce risks during extreme heat, experts recommend several essential behaviors.

Avoid physical activities during the hottest parts of the day and instead conduct them during cooler hours. Whenever possible, seek shade and wear loose clothing to promote ventilation. Applying ice packs to the head and neck can provide additional relief.

Hydration is crucial, Bailey emphasizes. Don’t wait until you’re very thirsty; drink water regularly to avoid dehydration, especially when the body is losing fluids quickly through sweating. Experts also recommend electrolyte drinks to help replace lost electrolytes.

Using tracking apps is advisable, suggests Meidenbauer. Make sure someone knows where you are to enhance personal safety during outdoor activities in extreme heat.

In the long term, regular exercise is important, but outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day should be avoided, as this helps the body strengthen its temperature regulation system. Damian Bailey notes that the fitter you are, the more resilient you are to climatic and environmental stressors.

Although it will take time to determine the exact causes of the deaths in Greece, there is a clear lesson to be drawn from these tragedies, according to Bailey.

“No matter how intelligent or physically fit you feel… if you’re exposed to temperatures above 40°C, even if you’re well-prepared, you’re facing a significant challenge.”

Picture of Ella Bailey
Ella Bailey

an editor at KNfins since 2024.

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