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Heat Exhaustion

September 1st, 2009
Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a multi-factor condition in which the body becomes weak and fatigued due to inadequate internal temperature cooling.  This overheating of the body is commonly induced by external exposure to heat.  As an essential part of fitness safety and performance, it is critical to follow precautions and monitor your body’s condition regularly during any physical activity.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of heat exhaustion may manifest themselves very quickly and often without warning.  These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Dizziness or lost of balance;  This can be in the form of decreased coordination or focus.  In severe cases, the ill person may have Read more…

Glossary & Definitions, Wellness , , , , ,

Delirium

August 29th, 2009

Delirium

Delirium is the condition of abrupt mental confusion or significant lost of mental awareness.  This condition can be caused by various factors including lack of blood flow to the brain, exhaustion, dehydration, drug influence, and lack of sleep.  Delirium is usually temporary and most often exhibited by the elderly.  More serious cases of delirium may be the result of physical damage of the brain from strokes or underlying diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Glossary & Definitions , , ,

Body Systems

August 28th, 2009
Body Systems

Body Systems

Here’s a quick and simple refresher and breakdown of the major body systems.

To assist in remembering these major systems, think of the acronym “IM NERD CURLS“!

Integumentary
Muscular

Nervous
Endocrine
Reproductive
Digestive

Cardiovascular
Urinary
Respiratory
Lymphatic
Skeletal

Let’s get a brief overview of what each system does.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is responsible for actions such as the defending your body from foreign Read more…

Glossary & Definitions, Human Physiology , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nosocomial Infection

August 27th, 2009

Nosocomial Infection

A nosocomial infection refers to infections that are contracted as a result of hospital or other medical service treatment.  Commonly known as hospital acquired infections, nosocomial infections are often acquired by persons who have had surgical procedures performed.   Other conditions in the medical space such as poor sanitation, mistakes by health care practitioners, or inadequate decontamination of equipment can lead to patients and other health care employees contracting an infection.

These incidents may lead to disease or even death and among the leading contributors to health care malpractice law suits.

Glossary & Definitions , ,

Palpitation

August 27th, 2009

Palpitation

Palpitation refers to the unusual consciousness of the heart beating.  Have you ever woke up suddenly from a nightmare and feel your heart thumping?  This alertness of your heart beating, at any speed or rhythm and for a varied lengths of time, is known as palpitation.

Palpitation can be caused by numerous elements including a sudden chemical imbalances in the body such as that of adrenaline, an under lying diseases such as high blood pressure or anemia, or a physical irregularity of the heart’s valves.

Glossary & Definitions , , ,

Homeostasis

August 27th, 2009

Homeostasis

Homeostasis, in human physiology, includes the variety of internal processes that seek to maintain balance in the body.  The body’s systems constantly monitor conditions throughout the body, including temperature and the amount of particular hormones and chemicals in the blood stream.  Based on the status of these numerous signals, the body will respond accordingly and make adjustments in order to keep everything stable.

Glossary & Definitions, Human Physiology

Positive Feedback

August 27th, 2009

Positive Feedback

A positive feedback response is one that magnify a particular change in our bodies.

An allergic reaction to dust or pollen may cause the massive release of the histamine protein, which often causes an inflammation of the cells.  This inflammation of the cells may trigger other bodily systems to take a positive feedback reaction by increasing the internal temperature of the body, thus intensifying the inflammation.

Glossary & Definitions ,

Negative Feedback

August 26th, 2009

Negative Feedback

In maintaining balance of internal systems in our bodies, a negative feedback response is one that seeks to counteract the course of a change.

Suppose your body temperature is heating up from exercise, your brain will process this temperature change and signal the sweat glands in your skin to start sweating in order to cool you down.  This response is considered a negative feedback, because the reaction of your body was one in which the temperature increase is reversed.

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