Diet has an important role in the treatment and prevention of chronic illnesses. Physicians are regarded as having proficient knowledge about nutrition, but most believe that they lack an understanding of clinical nutrition. In fall 2016, a group of medical students developed a culinary medicine elective for 20 students at

Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness, and it can be fatal.Two characteristics define heat stroke: a core body temperature greater than 104°F (40°C) and neurological signs such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.Some of the first cells in the body to be affected are in the brain. These cells are sensitive to temperature changes. The heart also must work harder to push blood to the skin. As a person's temperature gets closer to the air temperature, the rate of heat transferred to the skin decreases. Evaporation of sweat also decreases with higher humidity. Sweating leads to further dehydration and loss of electrolytes and minerals vital for muscle and nerve cell function. As the body is no longer able to cool itself by sweating, heart rate and breathing increase to compensate. This can be aggravated by medications that alter heart function or by chronic diseases.Classic heat stroke is seen in people who are exposed to a hot environment, especially in young and elderly persons. Those with chronic diseases such as Parkinson disease, heart failure, or diabetes or who take medications can have a decreased response to dehydration. Exertional heat stroke is seen in healthy people who undergo strenuous activity in hot weather, such as marathon runners, military trainees, and football players.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency; it occurs when a person is exposed to excessive cold temperatures.Hypothermia is defined by a core body temperature lower than 35°C (95°F). Below this temperature, the body loses more heat than it generates.Acute hypothermia occurs with immersion in cold water or exposure to cold weather. Chronic hypothermia occurs with certain diseases, aging, or prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, arthritis, and preexisting heart conditions, as well as homeless persons, elderly persons, and young children are more prone to developing hypothermia.Hypothermia causes major dysfunction in vital organs such as the heart, leading to irregular heartbeat; the kidneys, leading to kidney failure; and the brain, leading to mental status changes such as confusion or loss of consciousness. Liver damage, bleeding disorders, and breakdown of muscle tissue can also occur. Damage occurs when the mechanisms of heat regulation start to fail as the body temperature continues to drop.

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