Beware of Extreme Heat – Health News
For days, large parts of Turkey were under the influence of heavy rainfall. Particularly in the western part of the Black Sea, heavy rains that caused flooding have left their place for extreme temperatures. According to the statement from the Directorate General of Meteorology, air temperatures will rise by 5 to 8 degrees and will be above seasonal norms in some places. Authorities warn of extreme heat. Especially those with chronic diseases should be much more careful.
Bandırma District Health Director Hacı Durmuş Yılmaz said in a statement that extreme heat brings various health problems and stated that the elderly, infants and people with chronic diseases are at risk.
Attention to the elderly, infants and people with chronic diseases
Durmuş said: “Extreme heat brings various health problems. Depending on the increase in temperature and humidity, the body temperature rises and the metabolism tries to adapt to this new situation. Normally, the aim is to keep sweating and body temperature in balance. However, in extreme heat, body temperature is not balanced by sweat alone. It may not always be possible to balance body temperature with the sweat mechanism in the elderly, infants and the chronically ill. Again, if the humidity in the environment is high, the body temperature may not drop sufficiently through sweating. In addition, obesity, high fever due to any illness, excessive fluid loss, heart disease, mental and nervous disorders, alcohol and drug use, and the use of certain medications for treatment are other factors that affect sweating in hot weather. In such cases, rising body temperature can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”
However, groups are affected by extreme heat
Yılmaz said: “Children under the age of 4, the elderly aged 65 and over who live alone, needing care, pregnant women, overweight, outdoor workers, chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, mental disease, chronic respiratory system disease, liver disease, kidney disease, people who constantly use drugs, street children and the homeless.
What should we do to protect
Yılmaz said: “You should not go outside unless you have to, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the hottest hours of the day. When outdoors, light-colored, light, loose and close-fitting fabrics are preferred; Wear a wide-brimmed hat with vents and sunglasses that protect against the harmful rays of the sun. Morning and evening hours are preferable for intensive physical activity and sports, at least 2-4 glasses of liquid should be taken for every hour of exercise. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided. Adults and the elderly at risk should be checked for sun or sunstroke at least twice a day. The baby should be checked more often in this regard. Babies, children, the disabled and animals must never be left in closed and parked vehicles. Those who work outdoors should be careful not to stand in the sun unprotected as much as possible, avoid excessive movements and regularly eat watery foods with salt. Sun-exposed windows, curtains, etc. should be shaded with umbrellas. Take a shower regularly so that the body temperature does not rise; where this is not possible, the feet, hands, face and neck should be moistened or wiped with cold water”.
Yılmaz “A minimum of 2 liters of water should be consumed per day”
Deputy Director Yılmaz stated that at least 2 liters of water should be drunk per day regarding nutrition and fluid intake in extreme heat. Yılmaz said: “Even if there is no feeling of thirst, at least 2-2.5 liters of liquid should be consumed every day. Breakfast should contain low-fat cheeses, olives and fresh vegetables, and instead of caffeinated drinks, milk, fruit juice, herbal teas such as linden and rose hips should be preferred. Consumption of fatty foods and fried foods should be avoided; Vegetable oils should be used in meals. While cooking the food, healthy cooking methods like boiling, grilling, cooking in own juice or in less water should be applied instead of frying and frying. A lot of fruits and vegetables should be consumed to increase the body’s resistance and to ensure that the body receives enough vitamins and minerals. To prevent fluid and mineral loss that increases with sweating, more fluid should be taken in than usual. While it is essential to drink water for fluid intake, drinks such as milk, ayran and fruit juice are preferable to coffee, tea and carbonated drinks for fluid intake without water. If fluid intake is restricted or diuretic medication is used by the doctor, it is necessary to consult the relevant doctor. Very cold and icy drinks are not preferred as they can cause stomach cramps. Beverages containing caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar should not be consumed as they cause more fluid loss from the body. The consumption of food sold outdoors and in the open air should be avoided, food that is easily spoiled should not be stored in the open air, and hygiene rules should be observed during the preparation and cooking of food.