Which populations are at higher risk for heat-related illness?

• A. Athletes who exercise indoors and use fans
• B. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic illness or those taking diuretics or anticholinergic medications
• C. People living in air-conditioned offices with regular hydration
• D. Healthy young adults with no medical history

Answer: (D)

Vulnerability to heat-related illness rises when the body's ability to regulate temperature is compromised. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic illnesses or those taking medications such as diuretics or anticholinergics are especially at risk because these factors can impair fluid balance, sweating, or heat dissipation. That’s why this option best matches the groups known to be more susceptible to heat illness.

In contrast, someone exercising indoors with fans or someone in an air-conditioned office with regular hydration has protective cooling and fluid balance, lowering their risk. Healthy young adults without medical issues generally tolerate heat better, though they aren’t completely immune. The key idea is recognizing which populations are most vulnerable to heat stress.