At the beginning of this week, our region will be hit by a new heat wave, and the predicted temperatures will reach over 40 degrees, which requires special attention and care for the health of each organism, advises from the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica.
It is the time of summer vacations, and July and August are mostly used to go to nature, next to rivers, lakes, to the seashore. No matter how well you tolerate the summer heat, whether you're staying in the city, by the lake or by the sea, this season requires lifestyle changes, from diet and dressing to a different schedule of activities.
This is especially true for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, overweight people, people suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetics, chronic patients, athletes and outdoor workers.
The negative effects of heat on health are predictable and are generally preventable. There are guidelines for the general public and health professionals on dealing with extreme heat.
INZ experts note that the rapid increase in thermal energy threatens the body's ability to regulate temperature and can result in a range of health conditions, including heat spasms, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hyperthermia. Prolonged periods of high day and night temperatures create cumulative physiological stress on the human body, which exacerbates the main causes of death, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney disease.
Heat waves often cause emergencies and result in loss of work ability, productivity, health problems, and even death.
In order to protect yourself and others from heat, it is necessary to ensure that your living space is cooled, recommended in the evening, and after ventilation to prevent the direct influence of the sun, especially during the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Avoid going outside whenever you can, especially physical activities during the hottest part of the day, do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles, and be sure to keep your body hydrated or supplied with water and fluids.
It is necessary to sunbathe gradually (the first day for 15 minutes, and gradually extend the time) avoiding exposure to the sun's rays in the period from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., put on light, wide and light clothing made of natural materials with mandatory head protection with caps or hats and wearing sunglasses with a UV protective layer.
Due to high temperatures and increased fluid loss through sweating, in the summer the body and skin need a greater amount of water (at least two liters a day, which is approximately eight glasses). It is recommended to enter the liquid slowly, in small quantities and avoid alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened drinks that will only enhance dehydration.
People who, due to the nature of their work, sweat additionally (outdoor work, athletes...) and are also prone to lower blood pressure, along with ordinary water, are advised to use mineral still water, given that sweat also loses electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc.).
- If you are not sure that the water in which you bathe is clean, because of possible infections avoid too long stay in it, and be careful not to swallow this water or dive with your eyes open, and be sure to take a shower after bathing in such water, recommends INZ.
Uncontrolled exposure to the sun's rays, as well as non-use of SPF agents can cause negative skin changes, including burns, accelerated aging and, as a last resort, skin cancer, melanoma.
Regardless of skin type, the most important thing is to adhere to basic preventive measures, such as recommendations to try to reduce outdoor activities to morning and afternoon, i.e. Reduce sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the UV index is highest. Also, when exposed to the sun's rays, it is mandatory, especially for children, to use agents with the highest SPF (50), which should be applied in a sufficiently thick layer at least 20 minutes before leaving the house, with repetition every two hours and after each bath, say from the Institute.
In the summer, bites or stings of various insects are common, which can be manifested by redness and itching of the skin and a large painful swelling. It is important to keep the puncture site clean so that there is no development of infection. It is very important to try to refrain from scratching the skin because it is in this way that it is most often possible to develop infection due to the entry of microorganisms through the wound formed by scratching. In case swelling appears, put a cold compress at the injection site (a wet towel or ice cubes wrapped in a kitchen towel) to reduce it. In case of infection or some unusual skin changes at the injection site, vomiting or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Throughout the year, and especially in the summer, care should be taken to proper storage and storage of food. In the summer, due to the increase in temperature, improper storage of food shortens the shelf life and significantly affects the quality and nutritional value of foods.
- Pay special attention to easily perishable foods of protein origin such as: meat, eggs, fish, milk and dairy products. In addition to proper food storage, adequate heat treatment and thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, food poisoning can be prevented by frequent hand washing and proper hygiene of dishes and food utensils (especially meat cutting board).
In the end, experts note that, adhering to the above recommendations, take advantage of all the benefits of summer and enjoy it without consequences on health.