Heat: What to do?
Due to the high summer temperatures, the Chemnitz Health Department refers to the following tips from the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Consumer Protection:
Prolonged heat in summer can have a significant impact on health.
Infants, small children, older people and the chronically ill are particularly affected by heat stress. Babies and small children are not able to regulate their body temperature by sweating to the same extent as older people due to the smaller surface area of their skin. In older people, heat regulation no longer works as well as it did when they were younger. Chronically ill people are already under additional strain.
If you are chronically ill or elderly, or are caring for these people, clarify the measures (including the administration of medication) with the doctor treating you.
If possible, stay in shady places and cool your home by shading it during the day and ventilating it in the cool morning and evening/night hours. In attics, windows should also be left slightly open during the day to allow heat to escape.
Use fans or ventilators, but be careful: air conditioning can lead to colds and draughts from the fan can cause a "stiff neck"!
Suitable, light and preferably light-coloured clothing made of natural fibres and an airy headgear protect against heat build-up and strong sunlight (children in particular should never be directly exposed to the sun). Don't forget to apply sun cream, even if you are not directly in the sun. Strenuous activities are best postponed until the cooler hours of the morning; never carry out strenuous work in the midday heat!
Hydration
Drinking enough (at least two litres as an adult) to compensate for the loss of fluids through sweating is of course one of the most important measures. The decisive factor here is what you drink. The best are: Water, mineral water, unsweetened herbal and fruit teas, highly diluted fruit juices, soups and broths.
You should not (or only drink a little) heavily sweetened, caffeinated, alcoholic and very cold drinks!
Sufficient also means: not too much, if there are reasons against it (e.g. high blood pressure, severely impaired kidney function, then ask your doctor what is appropriate).
Minerals, especially sodium, which are lost through heavy sweating, can be replenished with table salt, sodium-rich mineral water and plenty of vegetables.
Water-rich fruit and vegetables increase fluid intake and provide minerals (see above) and vitamins. Special hygiene in the kitchen is important to avoid additional health risks from food that has spoilt in the heat.
Never leave anyone in a closed parked car, regardless of the duration!
In the meantime, take a foot bath to cool down, cool your wrists or take alternating showers (only if you do not have circulatory problems!)
Support measures for collapsed patients
People at risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat collapse or sunstroke can be recognised by the following symptoms: cramps in the arms and legs, dizziness, feeling weak, very red or very pale skin. Immediate first aid measures are: Move the patient into the shade.
The upper body should be elevated and clothing should be loosened or opened if possible. Cool the patient (e.g. place moist compresses on the head) and give them mineral water to drink.
Call the emergency doctor!
Source: www.gesunde.sachsen.de