How cold affects the body
When we think of low temperature as a danger, we often imagine people working outside in polar regions in the depths of winter or in cold storage facilities, layered in thermal clothing to help them deal with freezing temperatures. But do we also need to protect ourselves when it's just a bit chilly as well as in arctic conditions?
As mammals, our bodies have to maintain an internal temperature in a narrow range. If that temperature drops, the effects can be serious. Below 35C, people can develop hypothermia, with symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. If body temperature drops below 29C, it can lead to loss of consciousness. Fortunately our bodies can regulate their internal temperature, but there are some negative side effects which come with this process.
Ten degrees Celsius is hardly biting cold, but that's the temperature that BBC journalist James Gallagher was made to endure in an experiment at the University of South Wales. As the test room was cooled from 21 degrees, his blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate all increased, while the flow of blood to his brain decreased by 20%.
What are the consequences of this? Immediately, it meant that Gallagher took longer to solve some simple puzzles. As a longer-term risk, Professor Damian Bailey points out that increased blood pressure puts us at greater risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Professor Bailey suggests that in the cold, people should wear clothing that provides good insulation, eat more carbohydrates, and be more active. Another approach is suggested by Professor Christopher Minson. He believes that people are too reliant on being able to control the temperature around them, and that we can gradually train ourselves to cope with a lack of warmth and be comfortable at lower temperatures.
So, while moderately low temperatures can have an effect on us, there are steps we can take to cope with them.
词汇表
polar [ˈpəʊlə(r)] adj. 极地的，近极地的
in the depths of winter [depθs] 在隆冬时节，深冬
cold storage facility [ˈstɔːrɪdʒ fəˈsɪləti] 冷藏设施，冷库
be layered in [ˈleɪəd] 穿着多层，层层叠加（衣物）
thermal clothing [ˈθɜːml ˈkləʊðɪŋ] 保暖衣物，防寒服
freezing [ˈfriːzɪŋ] adj. 极冷的，冰冻的
chilly [ˈtʃɪli] adj. 寒冷的，凉飕飕的
arctic conditions [ˈɑːktɪk] 极寒环境，北极般的环境
internal temperature 体温，体内温度
hypothermia [ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːmiə] n. （因持续寒冷而）体温过低，低体温症
shivering [ˈʃɪvərɪŋ] n. （因寒冷）颤抖，发抖
confusion [kənˈfjuːʒn] n. 意识模糊，思维混乱
slurred speech [slɜːd] 口齿不清，说话含糊不清
loss of consciousness [ˈkɒnʃəsnəs] 失去意识，不省人事
side effect 副作用，意外后果
biting cold [ˈbaɪtɪŋ] 刺骨的寒冷，严寒
endure [ɪnˈdjʊə(r)] vt. 忍受，承受
puzzle [ˈpʌzl] n. 谜题，智力游戏
stroke [strəʊk] n. 中风
heart attack 心脏病发作
insulation [ˌɪnsjuˈleɪʃn] n. 保温，隔热，御寒
carbohydrate [ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaɪdreɪt] n. 碳水化合物，糖类
be reliant on [rɪˈlaɪənt] 依赖，依靠
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