Introduction to the Issue:
Every year there are an average of 618 heat-related deaths (cdc.gov) thanks to hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is when the body is overheated and can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat rash, and even death.
Scientists have suggested methods to prevent hyperthermia including cooling the body, increasing fluid intake, and resting durng periods of extreme heat. As engineers, we have taken on the challenge to reduce the number of cases of hyperthermia using our knowledge of chemical processes and thermal energy. |
What is Heat Illness?
The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.
Meet Those Affected...
"When my son died, people treated it as a freak thing,” said Rhonda Fincher, whose 13-year-old son, Kendrick, died in 1995 from heat stroke sustained during a season-opening football practice in Arkansas. “No healthy child should be sent off to a routine practice and die from it.”
Miguel, a 13-year old freshman marching band member from Colorado, experienced heat exhaustion for the first time last August. "It felt like my feet were nailed to the floor. I was seeing dark checkered spots and was really weak. The next thing I knew I was sitting in a shaded area with ice on my chest and neck, surrounded by my friend and an EMT. They told me I had fainted."
"I find that heat exhaustion and dehydration are my worst enemies. They cause day-long headaches, muscle pain, and poor recovery during any athletic activity. It would be amazing to have a device I could wear during a 3 hour run to help keep me cool during those hot summer runs." - Nicole Bishop, distance runner.
Nicholas Dellaventura, 15, eventually collapsed at the end of a preseason practice in Staten Island last year and died hours later of heat stroke, as his body temperature surged to 110 degrees, his family claims. -September 2, 2013
Miguel, a 13-year old freshman marching band member from Colorado, experienced heat exhaustion for the first time last August. "It felt like my feet were nailed to the floor. I was seeing dark checkered spots and was really weak. The next thing I knew I was sitting in a shaded area with ice on my chest and neck, surrounded by my friend and an EMT. They told me I had fainted."
"I find that heat exhaustion and dehydration are my worst enemies. They cause day-long headaches, muscle pain, and poor recovery during any athletic activity. It would be amazing to have a device I could wear during a 3 hour run to help keep me cool during those hot summer runs." - Nicole Bishop, distance runner.
Nicholas Dellaventura, 15, eventually collapsed at the end of a preseason practice in Staten Island last year and died hours later of heat stroke, as his body temperature surged to 110 degrees, his family claims. -September 2, 2013
Copyright Nicole Bishop STEM Launch Adams 12 Schools, September 2013