Prescription for the hot weather from the experts!
Noting that there are many risks caused by extreme heat, experts draw attention to the fact that it is of importance to have awareness on these dangers in terms of the safety of life and property. Emphasizing that if the heat that your body is exposed to is more than the discharged heat from the body with sweating, the heat regulation system of the body can be disrupted, Public Health Expert Prof. Haydar Sur underlined that those who have certain diseases must especially pay attention.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Dean, Public Health Expert Prof. Haydar Sur explained the health risks that can be experienced during extreme hot weather and listed recommendations to be protected.
Hot weather also brings health risks
Stating that there are many risks caused by extreme heat in summer, Prof. Haydar Sur said that being aware of the dangers that these risks may cause will be beneficial in protecting the safety of life and property. Stating that the risks of extreme heat are especially important to human health, Sur said that "These risks include the losses we suffer with excessive sweating as well as the heat itself. Influenza infections, which have been known as winter diseases since the beginning of the time, can also be experienced frequently, or even more severe in the summer months.".
In extreme heat, the body's own heat regulation mechanism can be disrupted
Reminding that the body cools itself with sweating, Sur said that "If we are exposed to too much heat for too long, the body becomes unable to cope with the heat just by sweating. Another danger is that with excessive sweating, excessive water is lost and the body becomes dehydrated. If the amount of temperature to which the body is exposed becomes more than the temperature we excrete from the body by sweating, the body's own heat regulation mechanism is disrupted and the temperature in the basic structure of the body increases. In this case, the door to medical situation and diseases related to temperature is opened. Among these, heat-related rashes, temperature cramps, heat stroke are the first to come to mind.”. Sur listed the effects of the temperature increase on the body as follows:
• Extreme sweating
• Red and itchy skin at the beginning
• Feeling of thirst
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Feeling exhausted
• Mental confusion or not being able to concentrate fully
• Muscle cramps
Those who have certain disease are under risk more
Pointing out that everyone should know the dangers of extremely hot weather, Prof. Haydar Sur stated that people with some diseases are at greater risk. Sur listed the people who should pay special attention as follows:
Those with autoimmune diseases such as MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
Asthma, COPD and allergy patients
Those with migraines
Heart patients
Those with arthritis
Work requiring movement should be paused during the hours when the temperature is too high
Prof. Haydar Sur listed the things that can be done to protect themselves from the heat and its negative effects as follows:
- First of all, people should program themselves to spend the most time in the coolest place.
- If there are opportunities such as afternoon shade, balcony and garden, washing and cooling the courtyard or balcony, these should not be neglected.
- Windows and doors should be opened facing one another to create air flow and reduce the condensed heat height.
- If possible, do not go out of the house before the sun sets and try to minimize exposure to extreme heat.
- During the hours when the temperature is too high, housework or other work that requires movement should be left and the stress of the temperature should not be increased.
Avoid extra burdens such as eating too much and stress
Emphasizing that it is necessary not to cause extra burden for the body by eating too much Prof. Haydar Sur said that:
- Meals should be light with light fruits, vegetables and foods.
- Cloths that will keep you cool must be preferred.
- If rooms get too much sunlight, more than one sunshade must be used to reduce the heat coming inside.
- Drink more water than usual.
- It may also be useful to drink mineral water in moderation to replace salt and minerals discharged by sweat. Patients who have blood pressure problems should not exaggerate this recommendation because excessive intake of salts can disrupt the blood pressure balance. Patients who live with critical values should definitely consult their physicians about this issue." Stating that it should be paid attention to remain calm and peaceful, Sur completed his remarks as follows: "No one should be quarreled, and additional burdens that will come with stress should be avoided. Also, tiring activities should be avoided. One solution is for those who have the means to take at least 1 or more cool showers a day. It would be a practical way for people who have environments such as pools, lakes and seas to enter the water frequently, but they should limit their swimming sessions with intense movement in the water.".
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)