ANALYSIS PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

Physiological parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, serum levels of various stress hormones (e.g.

cortisol) and immunological functions (e.g. suppression of lymphocyte activity) can be used to assess welfare.1 Measurement of

many of these parameters requires invasive monitoring techniques. However, where instrumentation, such as a heart rate

transmitter, has already been implanted for experimental purposes, data that can help to assess welfare can be obtained with no

additional adverse effects for the animal.

Values will fluctuate within ‘normal’ limits for any one animal. Extreme fluctuations are indicative of changes in welfare

state.2 Changes may occur due to environmental, husbandry or experimental events. In these cases, comparing measurements in

individual animals before and after the event, or between ‘treated’ and ‘control’ animals, can help to infer whether welfare is

affected.3 Note there is often high variance between animals according to, for example, their age, sex, dominance status and the

stability of the social group.4

Although relative changes are often more informative than absolute values, it is possible to compare single values from individual

animals with ‘normal’ ranges for the species published in the literature, or with colony records held by the institution. Reference

values are given in the tables below. ‘Normal’ parameter ranges can vary between institutions (e.g. due to the characteristics of the

colony animals, and local practices for sample collection and analysis), so it is worthwhile to develop a baseline for your facility. The

animals used to create this baseline should be in good physical condition (see Health indicators) and neither pregnant nor lactating

(unless in a breeding facility).

OBSERVES PERSONAL SAFETY PROTOCOL TO AVOID DEHYDRATION ,OVEREXERTION, HYPO AND HYYPERTHERMIA DURING
MVPA PARTICIPATION

Dehydration happens when your body loses or uses more fluids than it takes in. When it happens, your body isn’t able to do all
the things it’s supposed to. It’s especially dangerous in older people and young children.

Be Aware of Fluid Loss

The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re in a hot climate or you’re playing or working in
the sun. Be aware of how much fluid you’re losing through sweat and when you pee. Drink enough to keep up with what you’re
getting rid of.

You can also lose necessary fluids more quickly than normal when you have a high fever, diarrhea or are throwing up. As your
body loses fluids, it also loses electrolytes. These are minerals in your blood and body fluids that affect how your muscles and
nerves work. Morning Person? Night Owl? Your Circadian Rhythm Drives Your Sleep Patterns

Your body really does march to its own beat. Learn how your circadian rhythm drives your sleep patterns and other ways your
body works.

When you lose electrolytes, you need to replace them. There are many over-the-counter products for doing this. Most people
get these through their regular meals by eating meats, vegetables and fruits. But there are also sports drinks, gels, candies and
gummies you can take. There’s even a tablet that you can dissolve in water and drink.

If you’re planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them for the cooler parts of the day. Make sure that you’re dressed in light,
cool clothing when the weather is warm.

Prevention for Babies and Young Children

Children lose fluids and electrolytes just like adults do, so make sure your child has access to plenty of water and other fluids,
especially if she’s very physically active or if it’s a warm day. And make sure your child eats plenty of fruits and veggies -- they
contain lots of water. 1

Prevent it by drinking lots of water daily! By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Thirst can signal a water loss
of 1% of body weight. Light-headedness can occur with as little as a 2% water loss.

Water contains no calories and is great for your health in other ways. The amount of water you need is dependent on body
weight. Hospitals use a formula to compute water intake needs, because even a patient in a coma needs water! For an adult
weighing 150#, 8 oz. of water every hour for 8-10 hours is about right, in a temperate climate, with a sedentary lifestyle. That
works out to about 1/2 gallon of water per day. On a hot day, that can increase by 16-32 oz. Add in strenuous exercise, and
intake needs can rise by another quart or more, per hour.

To figure out how much water you need in a day, follow the "half rule" and drink half your body weight (although, in ounces,
not pounds.) For example, somebody who weighs 140 lbs needs about 70 ounces of water in a day.

You lose water in many different ways: urine, sweat, feces, and even breathing! Even if you are sleeping, water is being
consumed by your body's functions. 2

Dress for the weather to make sure that you're not sweating more than you need to. If it's a hot, humid day, wear lighter
clothes. Dress like desert dwellers do: light weight and light colored clothing that covers your skin and breathes reflects and
insulates you from the sun. Water load when needed. If you're going to participate in a sport or a strenuous activity, then drink
up before hand ("water loading"). Then drink at regular intervals (around 20 minutes or so) during the activity. 4

Keep an eye open for symptoms. The most common signs of dehydration are:

Thirst

Cracked lips, or a whitish deposit

Dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling faint

Dry, sticky mouth

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Producing less urine or darker urine

Stomach or leg cramping

Non-traumatic nosebleeds (minute cracks in the nasal tissue) which can be made more severe by blood-thinner medications

Feeling hot (Body temperature 99-102 degree5

Take breaks when you show signs of dehydration. If you experience any of the symptoms above, then rest for a while in a cool
area and drink plenty of water. Remove clothing that constricts blood flow, or air circulation. Remove dark colored clothing that
absorbs heat. Remove clothing that doesn't breathe, such as plastics, or tightly woven garments. If you are feeling nauseous, or
have already vomited, begin with sips of water, and keep sipping, even if you vomit again. As you begin to tolerate water,
change sips to mouthfuls. To replace lost electrolytes, add diluted, non-caffienated sports drinks, or an apple, orange and a
banana. Give nothing by mouth to an unconscious, or barely conscious person.s Farenheit)

Use wet towels or a water mist on the skin to aid in cooling. Water immersion, such as sitting in water, is OK as long as the
body's core is not chilled, such as a brief dip in a pool.

RemembAvoid any intentional dehydration. Some exercise equipment, and some weight loss preparations, achieve their
"results" by dehydration. These include the rubber belly bands that cause sweating, and the "colon cleansers" and "loose 10
pounds a week" formulas that cause water loss, and not much else. Athletes have been known to use them to make a lower
weight class, since water weighs 8.3 lbs per gallon. Once weighed, they then drink to replace the water lost. This is not a good
idea for moRealize that leg cramps while exercising, or following exercise, are an exception. The cramping is caused by a build-
up of lactic acid in the muscle, with insufficiently fluid blood to remove it. Staying still only pools this blood in the legs, adding to
the problem. A recovery process called "hot walking" is best. As you drink water, you walk, even if it's painful, and the steps are
tiny, or even if you need the support of another person to start. You'll probably need 16-24 oz. of water, and about 5-10
minutes of walking to see results, and another 5-10 minutes for full recovery. You will be amazed at the results! Massage and
stretching offer little benefit.st of us.e9

Combat the situation if you're sick. Dehydration can often occur with a stomach ailment. One loses lots of fluids through
vomiting and diarrhea. So if you're sick, you may not feel like eating or drinking anything. But your best bet is to take tiny sips of
room-temperature, clear liquids. Chicken broth is a great choice, and there is some science to support it. Sixteen ounces of
water with a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of salt, replaces electrolytes as well (Pedialyte is a commercial version). Ice
pops are a good choice, too. As you can tolerate it, a banana adds needed potassium.r: it's not the water you get on you, but
the water you get IN you that0

Look out for diabetes-related dehydration. Diabetes is another illness that can dehydrate you. An overabundance of sugar (a
"diabetic coma") will increase urination as your body attempts to decrease the glucose in your blood. If you urinate frequently,
see your doctor, who can tell quickly if diabetes is present. "Adult diabetes" (Type 2 diabetes) often caused by obesity and poor
eating habits, is one of the most frequent undiagnosed diseases, and with the rise of pediatric obesity is now being seen more
frequently in children. Treatment is often achieved by weight loss and diet and exercise changes. counts!

11

Treat heat stroke as an emergency. It is a severe change in mental status or unconsciousness, or body temperature above 102
degrees Farenheit, is a medical emergency! Call 911 (ambulance or fire support). Immediately cool the person off using
whatever methods are available: shade, wet towels, a mister, fans, or a cool water bath (below the neck). Protect the airway,
and ensure breathing. If you have ice packs, place them under the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Once cooling has
been achieved, remove it so that the core temperature stays above 96 degrees Farenheit. Give nothing by mouth until the
person is conscious. Even if the person seems to have fully recovered, have them seek medical attention.

Physical overexertion is a common cause of workers’ compensation claims. These types of injuries are usually caused by
repetitive motion, such as typing, lifting heavy objects, or working in an awkward position.
The pain that these injuries cause is often acute. It will typically improve with medical care and preventative measures. But
without proper treatment and prevention, acute pain from overexertion and repetitive use can become chronic. This can lead
to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis.

Physical overexertion is not just a workplace risk. Other causes of overexertion injuries include:

sports and exercise

motion control video games, such as those played on the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move

hobbies like woodworking, building, and remodeling

To avoid physical overexertion:

practice good posture

utilize ergonomic workspaces

lift lighter loads and use proper lifting techniques

decrease the distance you must stretch to lift a heavy object

take frequent breaks from physically repetitive and challenging activities

include strength training and stretching in your regular exercise routine

know and respect your body’s limits

Fatigue

There are many causes of fatigue. Pushing your body or mind too hard for too long can leave you feeling exhausted. Not getting
enough sleep is another common culprit.

“Burning your candle at both ends” is an unsustainable and unhealthy way to live. Sleep and rest are essential to your health.
They allow your mind and body to heal, recharge, and develop properly. Inadequate sleep can cause:

irritability

irrationality

depression

decreased cognitive function

increased risk of mistakes and accidents

increased risk of falling asleep while you’re doing other activities

increased blood pressure

fast or irregular heartbeat

irregular breathing

dizziness

To lower your risk of fatigue:

get about seven to eight hours of sleep a day, if you’re an adult

go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day

establish a regular bedtime routine

reduce your caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake

reduce your sugar intake

get regular exercise

Beware of sleep medications. They’re addictive and may not provide a restful night’s sleep. Consult your doctor if you think you
need medication to help you sleep. They may encourage you to try lifestyle changes or other strategies first.

Hypoglycemia

Have you ever had such a busy day that you forgot to eat? That can contribute to overexertion. In some cases, it can have
serious health consequences.

Not eating enough can cause hypoglycemia, which is commonly known as low blood sugar. The symptoms of hypoglycemia can
differ from one person to another and range from mild to severe. You may experience any of the following symptoms when
your blood sugar gets too low:

hunger pangs

headache

tiredness

confusion

irritability

nervousness

dizziness

fainting

labored breathing

fast or irregular heartbeat

difficulty sleeping

More serious complications can sometimes occur, especially if you have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes. These
complications can include:
seizure

coma

death

To avoid hypoglycemia, remember to:

eat regularly

always carry a snack with you

follow your doctor’s prescribed management plan if you have diabetes

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Have medical questions? Connect with a board-certified, experienced doctor online or by phone. Pediatricians and other
specialists available 24/7.

Dehydration

When you’re busy, you may forget to take regular hydration breaks. This can lead to dehydration, which occurs when your body
loses more water than you take in.

Thirst is often the first sign of dehydration. Other signs and symptoms can include:

dry mouth

dry eyes

cracked lips

concentrated or dark-colored urine

reduced sweating

joint pain

tiredness

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

In some cases, severe dehydration can cause serious complications, including:

kidney damage
coma

death

To avoid dehydration, make sure you:

drink enough water and other fluids

replenish electrolytes lost through sweat with sports drinks or enhanced water

take frequent breaks from hot environments or strenuous activities

use a damp cloth to lower your body temperature and reduce sweating

avoid drinking heavily caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary beverages, especially when you’re working out or exerting yourself

Overexertion is a common cause of dehydration, but certain diseases and infections can also lead to fluid loss. Fever, vomiting,
and diarrhea are common causes of dehydration in children and are serious medical concerns. Seek medical attention
immediately if you suspect that you or your child is experiencing significant dehydration.

The takeaway

Overexerting yourself can lead to mild to severe health problems. For example, it can cause repetitive use injuries, fatigue, low
blood sugar, and dehydration. To lower your risk of these issues, recognize and respect your body’s limits. Try to:

take regular breaks from repetitive activities

get enough high-quality sleep at night

eat enough food throughout the day

drink enough water and other fluids

If you suspect you have an injury or illness caused by overexertion, contact your doctor. They can provide treatment. They can
also offer tips to help you avoid similar problems in the future.

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Medically reviewed by Judi Marcin, MD on July 20, 2016 — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team

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