Experts state that there are many risks that excessive heat can cause, emphasizing that being aware of these dangers is important for life and property safety. Public Health Specialist Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur emphasizes that if the amount of heat the body is exposed to is greater than the heat expelled from the body through sweating, the body's own heat regulation mechanism can be disrupted, underlining that those with certain diseases should be especially careful. Sur, who also shares recommendations to protect against the heat and its negative effects, advises avoiding extra burdens that may come with overeating and stress.
Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Specialist Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur explained the health risks that can be encountered in excessively hot weather and listed his recommendations for protection.
Hot weather also brings health risks
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur stated that there are many risks caused by excessive heat in summer days, and being aware of the dangers these risks can lead to will benefit a person in protecting their life and property.
Sur stated that among the risks of excessive heat, the risks it poses to human health are of particular importance, adding, “These risks include not only those directly caused by the heat itself but also the losses we incur through excessive sweating. In summer months, influenza-like infections, traditionally known as winter illnesses, can also frequently occur, and may even take a more severe course.”
The body's own heat regulation mechanism can be disrupted in extreme heat
Reminding that the body cools itself through sweating, Sur said, “If we are exposed to excessive heat for too long, the body becomes unable to cope with the heat just by sweating. Another danger is excessive water loss due to excessive sweating, leading to dehydration. If the amount of heat the body is exposed to becomes greater than the heat we expel from the body through sweating, the body's own heat regulation mechanism breaks down, and the core body temperature rises. In this case, the door is opened to medical conditions and illnesses related to heat. Among these, heat-related rashes, heat cramps, and heatstroke are the first that come to mind.”
Sur listed the effects of increased temperature on the body as follows:
• Excessive sweating
• Initially red and itchy skin
• Feeling of thirst
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Feeling of exhaustion
• Mental confusion or inability to fully concentrate
• Muscle cramps
Individuals with certain diseases are at higher risk
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur emphasized that everyone should be aware of the dangers of excessively hot weather, stating that individuals with certain diseases are at higher risk. Sur listed those who need to be especially careful as follows:
• Those with autoimmune diseases such as MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma, COPD, and allergy patients
• Those with migraines
• Heart patients
• Individuals with arthritis
Tasks requiring physical activity should be ceased during peak heat hours
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur listed what can be done to protect against heat and its negative effects as follows:
- First, individuals should plan to spend most of their time in the coolest possible place.
- If there are opportunities such as afternoon shade, balcony and garden coolness, or cooling down the courtyard or balcony by washing, these should not be overlooked.
- Windows and doors should be opened opposite each other to create airflow and reduce the concentrated heat buildup.
- If possible, exposure to extreme heat should be minimized by not leaving the house before sunset.
- During hours when the temperature rises significantly, household chores or other tasks requiring physical activity should be ceased, and efforts should be made not to increase heat-related stress.
Additional burdens such as overeating and stress should be avoided
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur emphasized that an additional burden should not be placed on the body by overeating;
- Meals should be lightened with fruits, vegetables, and light foods.
- Clothing that keeps you cool should be preferred.
- If rooms get too much sun, the incoming heat energy should be reduced with one or more sun blinds.
- Much more water should be consumed than usual.
- Drinking mineral water in moderation can also be beneficial to replenish salts and minerals lost through sweating. Hypertension patients should not overdo this recommendation, as excessive salt intake can disrupt blood pressure balance. Patients living with critical values must consult their doctor on this matter,” he warned.
Sur also stated that it is important to remain calm and peaceful, concluding his words as follows:
“No one should argue, additional burdens from stress should be avoided, and exhausting activities should be steered clear of. For those who have the means, taking at least one or more cool showers a day is a solution. For individuals with access to environments like pools, lakes, or the sea, frequently entering the water, but also limiting swimming sessions with intense movement in the water, would be a sensible approach.”