Midsummer temperatures: health authority gives tips on protecting against heat stress
Further information is also available online at www.gesunde.sachsen.de/72.html - Heat warnings from the DWD at www.dwd.de/hitzewarnung
Summer, sun, heat - wonderful to enjoy, but not equally easy for all of us to bear in summer - which is why the City of Chemnitz's health department is asking people to take note of tips that should be heeded, especially in the current high summer temperatures.
Medical officer Dr Liebhard Monzer: "Everyone has the opportunity to minimise the effects of the weather as much as possible. I would therefore ask you to take our tips and information from the City of Chemnitz Health Department into account, especially during the current high summer temperatures, and to observe them in your everyday life. Experience has shown that babies and 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, and anyone who is one of these particularly affected people or who looks after chronically ill people should take the precaution of clarifying the measures with the doctor treating them, including the administration of medication, for example. The medical officer and head of the public health department explains what everyone should take to heart: "If possible, stay in shady places and cool your home by shading it during the day and ventilating it in the cool morning, evening or night hours. In attics, windows should also be left slightly open during the day to allow heat to escape. Be careful when using fans or fans to cool down: Air conditioning systems can not only ensure a pleasant temperature, but can also lead to colds; draughts caused by the fan, for example, can result in a "stiff neck"."
Particularly in summer and when it is very hot, it is important to wear suitable, light and preferably light-coloured clothing made from natural fibres that is appropriate for the weather, as well as an airy head covering. This protects against heat build-up and strong sunlight. Please also note that children in particular should never be directly exposed to the sun. And of course, don't forget to apply sun cream, even if you are not directly in the sun. Strenuous activities are best postponed until the cooler morning hours. Under no circumstances should strenuous work be carried out in the midday heat. It is very important to make sure you drink enough fluids - in other words, adults should drink at least two litres a day to compensate for the loss of fluids through sweating. What you drink is crucial: Water, mineral water, unsweetened herbal and fruit teas, highly diluted fruit juices, soups and broths are best. On the other hand, you should not (or only drink a little) heavily sweetened, caffeinated, alcoholic and very cold drinks. However, sufficient also means not too much, and if there are reasons against it, such as high blood pressure or severely impaired kidney function, the doctor should be consulted as to 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 and vitamins. Special hygiene is important in the kitchen to avoid additional contamination from food that has spoilt in the heat. Do not leave anyone in a parked and locked car, especially in high temperatures - regardless of the duration. On hot days, take a foot bath in between to cool down, cool your wrists or take alternating showers (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 symptoms such as cramps in the arms and legs, dizziness and feeling weak, very red or very pale skin. Immediate first aid measures are: move the patient into the shade, elevate their upper body, loosen or open clothing, cool the patient (e.g. place damp compresses on their head), give them mineral water to drink and call an ambulance.
Info tips: Heat warnings from the DWD can be found online at www.dwd.de/hitzewarnung.
General information on the subject of heat and how to protect yourself from stress in the current high summer temperatures, as well as special information for professionals, carers and people looking after relatives, can be found in detail online at http://www.gesunde.sachsen.de/72.htmlzu.