ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization - the process of the human body to adapt to new climate-geographical conditions (mountainous terrain, the conditions of a hot or cold climate, etc...).

Acclimatization in the highlands. The main factors that negatively affect the body in a mountainous area, are to reduce the concentration of oxygen in the air and low barometric pressure and high intensity ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In the process of adaptation to the these conditions are observed a compensatory increase in hemoglobin and red blood cell count and blood, increased pulmonary ventilation and increase in cardiac output, slowing blood flow, reduced basal metabolic rate, more economical use of energy resources.

Acclimatization to hot climates. The main factors that affect the human body, enters the hot climate are high temperatures, approaching body temperature, much the intensity of solar radiation, high humidity air (tropics and subtropics), sharp fluctuations in ambient temperature during the day (of the desert or semi-desert). The process of acclimatization to a hot climate is accompanied by an increase in heat transfer due to vasodilation and sweating. At high temperature and high humidity, evaporation from the surface of the body difficult, and therefore the broken thermoregulation. There may be fever, rapid breathing and heart rate, flushing of the skin with a relative decrease in the blood supply to internal organs. These effects are enhanced when muscle load. It is also noted with a decrease in blood clots in it contents of chlorine, potassium and sodium. Man feels an unquenchable thirst and a constant feeling of body moisture. Much of the air dust, commonly observed in arid regions, leading to the formation of cracks on the lips, conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract. Gradually more sensitivity to dust is reduced.

As thermoregulation acclimatization process stabilized in accordance with the temperature conditions; normalizes metabolism; sunburn reduces the effect of excessive UV radiation from the sun. However, in some cases (especially in patients with impaired cardiovascular function) acclimatization can not occur for many years.

From pathological conditions that develop in hot climates, the most characteristic of heat stroke , heat exhaustion with the phenomena of collapse and a slight increase in body temperature, heat cramps (with great loss of mineral salts). To prevent these disorders and accelerate acclimatization is very important tool of work and rest to local conditions. Thus, the working day in hot climates usually starts very early and is divided into two halves with a long break in the hottest midday hours. Eating is transferred to the morning and evening hours. Big hygienic value has landscaping and moisturizing area east-west orientation of the buildings under construction, the use of these shutters and blinds on the windows, air conditioners and so on. D.

Acclimatization in the North. The main northern climate factors that adversely affect the body, are the low ambient temperature (in winter to -60 ° C.), violation of light conditions (polar night and polar day), ultraviolet failure. In the initial period of acclimatization in the North there is a sharp change in reactivity. Thermoregulation in these conditions is carried out mainly by chemical means: increased heat production due to the acceleration of metabolic reactions, "shaken" inherent in this body the usual level of equilibrium with the environment. Then there is a gradual restructuring of the adaptive mechanisms. This process, particularly in the frail, sensitive to fluctuations in the meteorological factors (atmospheric pressure, air temperature, etc.) Individuals, as well as in children is complicated disadaptation meteonevrozami, manifesting excessive fatigue, irresistible sleepiness during the day, reduced appetite, and sometimes shortness of breath. Violation of the usual light conditions (day and night) can cause insomnia and neurotic conditions.

As acclimatization increases the importance of physical thermoregulation: increased blood volume expands peripheral vascular bed, increasing the volume of blood flow in the limbs.

Acclimatized in the North people, as well as local residents, longer tolerate cooling, they quickly restored the normal skin temperature after cooling. Accelerate acclimatization contribute to the proper organization of supply, the provision of appropriate clothing, hygienic norms of the maintenance of residential and public buildings, and light. Calorie daily diet in the North must exceed calorie diet for the inhabitants of the temperate climate of 15 - 20%, with about half of the diet should be protein and fats of animal origin. Food products intended for the population of northern regions (especially children, adolescents, pregnant women and nursing mothers) must be fortified, especially vitamins C, B1, A and D .. Clothing for residents of the North should have faith wind and moisture barrier . The temperature of the air in homes and public buildings should be maintained at 2 -3 ° C higher than in the middle lane. The intensity of artificial light during the polar night must be increased. Of great importance are regular alternation of work and rest, physical culture and sports.