EARTHQUAKE SHOCK

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE SHOCK

How Do You React To It? GLANDS WORK OVERTIME IN EMERGENCIES (By L. R. Richardson, M.Sc., Ph.D.) How do you. react to an earthquake, or any other form of sudden shock ? Do your knees tremble, does your hair “stand on end" or do you just feel ill? There are two little glands located near the kidneys which work overtime during periods of emotional stress, and the fluid they secrete does strange things to you, as is explained.by Dr. Richardson, in this release from the New Zealand Association of -Scientific Workers. The effect of an earthquake is physiological, as well as physical. During the ehake, we are keenly aware of the noise and vibrations in our surroundings.- Then in the quiet following the disturbance, most of us become aware of the marked physiological reaction which has taken place in our -bodies. Some of us find this as disturbing as the shake itself. Each of us reacts in his or her 'own way, In some, the hands and feet are chilled; the skin blanched; the heart races and -the blood pounds; the knees weakened-; and many other little changes take place. Gradually, the reaction passes. We become calmer and regain our poise. Scientists have named' this sudden, automatic change "the emergency reaction." it is a natural response to the presence of danger. It appears also during emotional crises such as when we -are angered, under heavy stress or suffering pain. The explanation of this instantaneous reaction has long been a scientific problem, but the accumulating evidence of recent years has supported the belief that' it is due to the liberation of relatively large quantities of epinephrin (better known to the public as adrenalin) into the blood-stream.

Epinephrin is manufactured in the suprarenal glands, two small bodies located near the kidneys. Circulated to all parts of the body in the blood, epinephrin affects the various organs in different ways. The sum of these changes closely resembles- the total reaction which occurs in our -bodies during a shake. Epinephrin constricts the tiny, terminal arteries in tire skin, stomach and Intestine; but it dilates these vessels in the muscles of the arms, legs and chest. Since less blood passes to the skin, the skin -blanches and chills; but more -blood can now pass to the muscles, which receive larger quantities of oxygen and food, and so can act longer without fatigue setting in. Epinephrin causes the blood-pressure to rise, but soon the nervous system takes control again and the -bloodpressure is kept within safe limits. Epinephrin also stimulates the liver to release large amounts of glycogen, whicli is a source of energy for the muscles.

There are many other changes brought about by epinephrin. It can produce dilatation of the pupils; erect the hair; widen the bronchial tubes and so facilitate breathing; and so on. The studies made by Stewart and Asher have shown that in normal times there are only slight traces of epinephrin in the blood; but Cannon has shown that when a cat is under emotional stress, relatively l large quantities of epinephrin are poured into the blood-stream. While an emergency lasts, the reaction increases the efficiency of the body for its own protection. During the peak of the reaction, we are more alert mentally and quicker to respond, than at other times. We have more energy to use in a shorter space of time than normally. If we are wise, we can assist nature to protect us -by carefully planning out a course of action to follow during an emergency. Think now of what you should do, and you will usually find when the emergency arises that you act swiftly and automatically as you had planned, -Some people have a feeling of “help lessness.” This usually comes after the emergency, and like many of the single symptoms we experience, this is a warning of the change that has taken place. It is the reaction to -the "emergency reaction” and it advises us to rest while the body recovers from the Strain which has been placed on it. The "emergency reaction" is provided to protect us in a crisis. The majority of scientists believe that epinephrin acts like a super-charger and speeds up our bodily mechanism. If we realize that this reaction is standing by at all times to kelp us, if we plan out our actions so that we have a clear-cut course to follow, and if we rest when the body warns us that the emergency has passed, we need have no fear of the physiological changes we feel after a shake; but can luflp nature to help us in times of danger.