Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for children. How to prepare for summer: tips for protecting yourself from the heat Climate and Environment
With the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region expecting a very hot summer this year, it is important to educate the public about the risks associated with extreme heat, including in the context of sports events and festivals that will take place in the coming months.
Heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related mortality in the European Region. Over the past 20 years, heat-related deaths have increased by 30 percent, with heat-related deaths increasing in almost all countries in the region where monitoring is carried out.
Extreme temperatures can also lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as conditions associated with diabetes. Extreme heat can also be especially dangerous for pregnant women. At the same time, the negative health effects of heat are largely preventable through effective public health measures.
WHO #Keep Your Head in the Cold Campaign
WHO Europe is launching its annual #KeepCool campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of extreme heat and simple tips to protect your health.
Avoid the Heat: During the hottest part of the day, try not to go outside or do activities that require a lot of physical exertion. If you’re sensitive to heat, take advantage of options like special shopping hours for seniors during the cooler mornings and evenings. Stay in the shade, do not leave children or animals in closed cars, and, if necessary, spend two to three hours a day in a cool place.
Keep your home cool: Try to cool your home with night air. Reduce the heat load inside your apartment, home, or hotel room during the day by closing curtains or blinds and turning off most electrical appliances if possible.
Avoid overheating and dehydration: Wear light, loose clothing, light bedding, take cool showers or baths, and drink regularly, but not alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugar-containing drinks, as drinking them will accelerate dehydration.
You need to take care of yourself and regularly take an interest in how things are going with your family, friends and neighbors who spend most of their time alone. During hot weather, vulnerable people may need help. If someone you love is at increased risk, help them get support and advice.
How to protect your health when traveling in hot weather
This year the European region will host three major international sporting events: football in Germany (June 14 – July 14), the Summer Olympics (July 26 – August 11) and the Paralympic Games (August 28 – September 8) in Paris.
These Major sporting events and other summer festivals and events will attract large crowds. To protect your health, just follow the simple recommendations of the #Keep Your Head in the Cold campaign, as well as advice addressed to travelers.
When leaving home for the day, take a bottle of water with you and drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
In hot weather, you should not eat a lot: it is better to eat in small portions throughout the day, giving preference to fresh and not hot foods (fruits, vegetables, salads, low-fat soups, dairy products).
Stay in the shade as much as possible, use umbrellas, wear hats and sunglasses, and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Wear light, loose, light-colored clothing that reflects rather than absorbs sunlight.
Try to plan activities and sightseeing for the morning or evening when it is not as hot.
Check to see if your medications will spoil in the heat. Follow the instructions in the instructions for storing medications.
Recognize the symptoms of heatstroke, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion and profuse sweating. If these symptoms occur, you should seek immediate medical attention.
A global problem
With climate change in Europe The region’s temperatures are rising at the fastest rate in the world—about twice as fast as the average. The Region’s three warmest years on record have been recorded since 2020, and the ten warmest years since 2007.
Under climate change Extreme heat waves are becoming a growing problem. Over the past 30 years, due to the threat of heat stress, physical activity has become increasingly hazardous to health, no longer only during the hottest part of the day. As a result, overall rates of physical activity may decline, increasing the risk of developing non-communicable diseases.
The frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat waves are expected to increase in the coming decades, as well as and other extreme weather events will only increase. In these circumstances, it is critical to understand the risks facing individuals and communities and how to protect themselves from them, and for health systems and societies to quickly adapt to climate change.
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