Pay attention to this for your health in hot weather
In the last days when the extreme heat was effective, Kula District Health Director Dr. Aybüke Aslı Ayyıldız made a press release and warned the citizens. Dr. In his statement, Ayyıldız said: “Especially children, the elderly, people with heart, lung, respiratory and blood pressure diseases, pregnant women and people with weight problems should be more careful. In very hot weather and with increased humidity, the normal body temperature can rise from 37 degrees to 40-41 degrees.
The function of the heat regulation center in the brain of a person exposed to extreme heat is impaired and serious health problems arise. The main illnesses that can occur due to temperature rises are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash (rash) and sunburn. It occurs due to the rapid loss of water and salt in the body due to sweating and physical activity. The symptoms are the formation of painful spasms in the abdominal and arm muscles. No medical treatment is needed for heat cramps. The person should stop physical activity for at least a few hours after the cramps and tell them to consume water-mineral drinks, and heat exhaustion, fatigue, weakness, feeling of fainting, rising fever, faster heart rate are among the symptoms. There is no loss of consciousness. The person should lie down in a cool place with their legs above head level, loosen their tight clothing, and take liquid mineral drinks (salted buttermilk). The person’s condition should be observed. These are rough patches that develop as a result of skin irritation from excessive sweating in hot and humid weather. It is usually seen in the folds of the body such as the neck, armpits, elbows. While it can be seen at any age and in anyone, it is more common in infants. The red spots should be kept dry and a cooler and less humid environment should be provided. Seawater speeds up the healing process,” he said.
“We must protect ourselves from sunburn”
Dr. Ayyıldız said: “Sunburn occurs with prolonged exposure to sunlight. The affected person has complaints of redness on the skin, blistering, high fever, severe aches and pains. To be protected from sunburn, make sure you don’t go out in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Places with sunburn should be cooled first. (Preferably wipe with cold water) Oil, tomato paste, yoghurt and toothpaste should never be applied. Medical lotion should be used in consultation with a doctor. Sun or heat stroke can cause permanent damage. It occurs when the body’s mechanism to keep body temperature constant due to exposure to excessive heat is disrupted. It is a life-threatening condition. Signs of sun or heat stroke, very high fever. (40-41 degrees) Inability of the body to sweat. Weakness, headache, dizziness, excessive skin dryness, vomiting, nausea, loss of consciousness, worsening of visual clarity, loss of control of hand and foot movements. When these symptoms are observed, a doctor should be consulted,” he said.
“We have to drink a lot”
Dr. Ayyıldız said: “Other health problems that can arise from prolonged exposure to the late effects of the sun are the negative effects of premature aging on the skin, skin cancer (changes in moles are observed) and cataract formation. In general, do not go out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless necessary, consume drinks that contain a lot of liquid and minerals, do not consume alcoholic beverages (alcohol increases water loss in the body), avoid binge eating, prefer water-rich fruits, vegetables and salads instead of greasy and heavy meals. Thin, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, use of sunscreen, avoiding strenuous work for those who have to work actively, and making sure they work in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. They are simple but effective measures that can be taken,” he said.