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39-42題為題組
Studies have found that human body's intolerance to cold varies significantly over a
lifetime. Senior citizens, especially men aged 60 and above, are reported to be relatively
less able to maintain their body temperature at a given cold exposure than young people
do. The cold-triggered rise in metabolism is weakened in older people. Apart from that,
older adults are slower to react to the cold and, thus, generate less body heat in defense.
Normally, our skin reacts to cold by contracting surface blood vessels in protection, which
is also slower with age. It is noted in The International Journal of Sports Medicine that
older people have reduced skin sensitivity and a subjective perception as to how cold it is.
Some can develop hypothermia even after exposure to mild cold weather or a small drop in
temperature. Thereby they are more vulnerable to death from hypothermia.
At any age, cold sensitivity is related to one's health condition in general. For
example, the body's response to cold can be diminished under the influence of factors such
as thyroid malfunction, diabetes and an abnormally low body mass index, as well as some
medicines, including over-the-counter cold remedies. The best way to identify someone
car
with hypothermia is to look for confusion or sluggishness, weak pulse, slurred speech,
shivering or stiffness in the arms and legs. If you suspect that someone is suffering from
the hypothermia and you have a thermometer available, take his or her temperature. If it's
lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit, call 911 for emergency medical treatment.
