Frequently asked questions

Category: Common

Question: How can one avoid harmful influence of extreme temperatures?

Answer:

Travelers should be made aware that acclimatization, which may take days, will be required in tropical regions. When travelling in hot climates, fluid intake should be increased, particularly during vigorous exercise. To avoid dehydration, travelers should be advised not to wait until they are thirsty to drink. During heavy exertion in a hot environment, consumption of two to four 32 ounces of cool fluids each hour should be the goal; liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar should be avoided, as they can exacerbate dehydration. A sports beverage or salt tablets can replace the salt and minerals lost in sweat, although in most circumstances plain water will suffice.

Cold particularly affects two groups of people: the elderly, because they have slower metabolisms, and the young, because infants and children lose body heat more easily than do adults and are unable to generate sufficient body heat by shivering. Hypothermia usually occurs at very cold temperatures but can occur at cool temperatures if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, submersion in cold water, and during cold windy conditions. The warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, fumbling hands, and slurred speech. To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, travelers should dress warmly in layers with a hat, scarf, mittens, sweater, and coats. The outer layer of clothing should be tightly woven, preferably wind and water resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will retain more body heat than cotton. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so extra layers of clothing can be removed when becoming too warm. Travelers should also wear waterproof shoes to avoid wet cold feet. In cold conditions, drinking warm beverages and avoiding alcohol will also help maintain an appropriate body temperature.

Other F.A.Q.

- Can I have the original of my medical chart?

- Do American Medical Center hospitalize patients with infectious diseases in Moscow?

- Do clinic "American Medical Center" perform Affiliation Test at clinic in Moscow?

- How can I learn about my insurance coverage in Moscow?

- What are clinic "American Medical Center" working hours?

- What are the charges for services provided by American Medical Centers in Moscow?