Who is at risk from the heat?

Who is at risk from high temperatures:

● elderly people

● babies and young children

● pregnant and lactating women

● people who are overweight or obese

● people who work or exercise vigorously in a hot environment

● people with chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, mental illness, dementia, alcoholism or drug abuse, etc.)

● people with an acute illness, such as an infection with fever or gastroenteritis (diarrhea and/or vomiting)

● people who, for purely medical reasons, take medicines for their chronic diseases, such as e.g. diuretics, anticholinergics, psychotropic drugs, hormones (including insulin and antidiabetic tablets). Especially during the period of high ambient temperatures, they should consult their doctor about the possible modification of the dosage.

General precautions:

● Stay in air-conditioned rooms.

● Dress light and comfortable with light-colored clothing made of porous material to facilitate body ventilation and sweat evaporation.

● Use of a hat made of material that allows head ventilation.

● Use of black or dark-colored sunglasses with lenses that protect against solar radiation.

● Avoid sun exposure, especially for infants and the elderly.

● Avoid heavy physical work.

● Avoid long-hour journeys with non-air-conditioned means of transport.

● The means of public transport must take care of the proper operation of their air conditioning, for the best service to the public.

● Many lukewarm showers during the day and applying cool compresses to the head and neck.

● Small and light meals low in fat, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable intake.

● Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices), especially by infants and the elderly, and avoid alcohol. If sweating is profuse, the additional intake of small doses of salt is recommended.

● People suffering from chronic diseases should consult their treating physician, from whom they will receive additional instructions depending on their condition as well as instructions on the possible change in the dosage of their medication.

● The elderly should not be left alone but someone should be provided for their daily care.