Other Vital Signs

Temperature Core Temperature – internal body temperature Must remain in a very narrow range for organs to function properly Controlled by hypothalamus Monitors temp and stimulates a response Example: If cold, sends message to muscles to shiver & blood vessels constrict to retain heat

Normal – 98.6º Ways to measure Orally Rectally Tympanic

What happens if we get to hot? Blood vessels expand, bringing blood to surface so heat can be released Body won’t let temp go above 105° If it does, the hypothalamus is damaged Causes of that? Meningitis, encephalitis, heat stroke Brain damage occurs at 108° 105° - Go to doctor

What happens if we get too cold? Anything below 95° - hypothermia Body will bring blood to core 1st, extremities lose blood Below 95° - lose coordination, speech slurred, vital signs slow down Below 86° - comatose, appear dead, can be revived (sometimes)

Weight & Height Why do people “care” about their weight? Primary reason – to look good Why should they? Health

Effects if too much fat Increased risk of cardiovascular disease Increased blood pressure Decreased life expectancy Decreased circulation in legs Increased risk of diabetes Increased stress on joints and muscles

Effects if not enough fat/muscle Infertility Anemia – reduced number of Red Blood Cells Osteoporosis – lose of bone density Weak Immune System Decreased Nutrient absorption Increased Wrinkles Hair Loss

Are you at the right weight? Use BMI (body mass index) calculator What is BMI? A tool using your weight and height to determine your overall body health Does not determine your actual body fat Consider your body type Big Bones? Lots of Muscle?

How to? Mass (lb) Height (in) Underweight – under18.5 Normal – 18.5-24.9 Overweight – 25-29.9 Obese – 30.0 & up OR – use an app to determine /height (again) X 703