"Heed Warning: Serious Heat Ahead!"

"Heed Warning: Serious Heat Ahead!"

As the mercury soars and a heatwave is predicted to exceed 35 degrees Celsius, health experts are urging caution, particularly for at-risk individuals such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Heat is considered a serious health hazard, and during extreme weather conditions, symptoms of heat-related illnesses may go unnoticed until it's too late. The early warning signs of heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, often begin with symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can escalate rapidly if left untreated.

Key early signs of heatstroke include heavy sweating and weakness, headache, dizziness, and nausea. As heatstroke develops, the skin typically becomes hot, flushed, and dry, or sometimes moist if triggered by exercise. An altered mental state, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, disorientation, irritability, or unusual behavior, may also be observed. This may progress to seizures or loss of consciousness. Rapid heartbeat and breathing, and a high body temperature, often above 40°C (104°F), are also indicative of heatstroke.

Given the rapid progression of heatstroke, it is critical to recognize these signs early and act immediately. Effective treatment steps include calling emergency services, moving the person to a cooler environment, cooling the person rapidly, monitoring the person closely, and keeping them hydrated if conscious and able to drink.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the public is advised to drink at least two to three liters of water daily, avoid alcohol, and take breaks from physical exertion, especially between 11 am and 6 pm, during hot days. Drinking regularly, not just when thirsty, is important to avoid dehydration and related health risks.

People with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to heat. Reinhild Scholz-Jedamzik, a leading physician, has issued a warning about the heatwave, emphasizing that 10 symptoms of heatstroke are immediate causes for concern: hot, dry skin; no sweating despite the heat; severe headaches with pressure and throbbing; confusion, dizziness, or sudden fainting or disorientation; rapid, shallow pulse and shortness of breath; nausea, vomiting, and collapse.

In addition to staying hydrated, eating light and water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes, is recommended. Cooling down several times a day with wet towels, foot baths, or cool showers is also advised.

Reinhild Scholz-Jedamzik has also emphasized the importance of wearing light, breathable clothing, preferably made of cotton or linen, during hot days. She advises caution during leisure activities in direct sunlight, such as hiking, cycling, or grilling on the terrace, as the body can overheat and alcohol can dehydrate and delay warning signals.

Never leaving small children or pets in a car, not even for a few minutes, is crucial during hot days. The specialist physician also advises against ignoring early warning signs such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, and encourages seeking medical help if in doubt.

Stay safe and stay cool during the heatwave!

1. In the wake of the forthcoming heatwave and predicted temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, health professionals urge prudence, particularly for at-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
2. Heat is seen as a serious health risk, and during extreme weather conditions, heat-related illness symptoms might go unnoticed until it's too late.
3. The early signs of heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, often surface with symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can intensify rapidly if overlooked.
4. Key early indicators of heatstroke include heavy sweating and weakness, headache, dizziness, and nausea.
5. As heatstroke develops, the skin usually becomes hot, flushed, and dry, or sometimes moist if triggered by exercise.
6. An altered mental state, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, disorientation, irritability, or unusual behavior, may also be observed, which may progress to seizures or loss of consciousness.
7. Rapid heartbeat and breathing, and a high body temperature, often above 40°C (104°F), are also indicative of heatstroke.
8. Given the rapid progression of heatstroke, recognizing these signs early and taking immediate action is critical.
9. Effective treatments for heatstroke include contacting emergency services, moving the person to a cooler environment, cooling the person rapidly, closely monitoring their condition, and hydrating them if conscious and able to drink.
10. To avoid heat-related illnesses, it is advised to drink at least two to three liters of water daily, stay away from alcohol, and take breaks from physical exertion, especially between 11 am and 6 pm, during hot days.
11. People with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, or high blood pressure should practice extra caution in the heat, with Reinhild Scholz-Jedamzik warning that heatstroke symptoms such as hot, dry skin; no sweating despite the heat; severe headaches with pressure and throbbing; confusion, dizziness, or sudden fainting or disorientation; rapid, shallow pulse and shortness of breath; nausea, vomiting, and collapse are immediate causes for concern.

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