Science has learnt a great deal from polar expeditions. For instance, we now know a lot more about the effects polar expeditions have on a person’s mind and body.
In the early days, explorers often went mad. One cause of this madness was later discovered: when people aren’t used to living in extreme cold, their body uses a lot of energy to keep warm and this gets rid of vitamins in the body. The brain, deprived of vitamins, can’t work normally, at least until the body adapts itself to its new environment and makes the most of whatever vitamins are available.
The time spent in total darkness also has a negative effect on people’s minds. Winter in polar regions is characterized by permanent night and lasts several months. Human beings are not used to spending lo
ng periods of time in the dark. In northern latitudes people get depressed during the dark winter months. Now we know that this depression- known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - can be reduced by the use of the sun lamps.
Low temperature can cause any part of the body to freeze. This painful condition is called frostbite. Although the body does get used to functioning in low temperatures, the danger of frostbite is always there if temperatures falls below freezing point. Nowadays, polar explorers carry medication which they can take to allow the blood to flow and slowly defrost the affected parts.
Another common disorder is altitude sickness. The ice is sometimes more than three kilometers thick, which makes Antarctica one of the highest regions in the world. At that altitude there is little oxygen, so headaches, vomiting and dehydration- the symptoms of altitude sickness- are common. After about a year at high altitude, the body gets used to the lack of oxygen in the air. It compensates by storing more oxygen in the blood.
That’s why exploring the world's coldest regions implies a good analysis of both positive and negative experiences one can come across during his voyage. From here he should know he has to be prepared to face all types of difficulties and have the necessary equipment in case of unpleasant situations.
Exploring The World written by Cristina Nuta for FamousWhy.com
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by Cristina Nuta -