Istanbul Gelisim University - Pay attention to these factors in extreme heat!

Pay attention to these factors in extreme heat!

Stating that extreme heat will bring along a wide variety of health problems, Public Health Specialist Dr. Nurten Elkin provided information about the protection measures. Stating that sweating is important in terms of maintaining body temperature, Dr. Elkin said, “However, sweating alone is not sufficient to provide thermoregulation in extreme temperatures, especially in infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In addition, excessive obesity, excessive fluid loss, substance use, heart disease and the use of certain drugs are also factors that affect sweating.

Expressing that the body metabolism is trying to provide the necessary harmony according to the increasing temperature and humidity, Dr. Nurten Elkin said, “Especially by sweating, body temperature is tried to be maintained. However, sweating alone is not sufficient to provide thermoregulation in extreme temperatures, especially in infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In addition, excessive obesity, excessive fluid loss, substance use, heart disease and the use of certain drugs are also factors that affect sweating.

Dr. Elkin listed the risk groups as follows:

“The ones with coronary diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases, the elderly over 65 years of age and living alone, pregnant women, those who work outdoors, individuals in need of care, street children and homeless people, and those who use some drugs such as depression and sleeping pills are at risk.”

“USE 15 FACTOR SUN PROTECTION”

Warning not to go out unless absolutely necessary between the hottest hours of the day, 10.00 am and 16.00 pm, Faculty Member of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Nurten Elkin said, “Individuals who need to work in the open should try not to be unprotected under the sun and should pay attention to frequently eating watery foods containing salt. Wearing light-colored and cotton fabrics as much as possible outside, hats and sunglasses should also be used. People should not sunbathe during the hours when the sun's rays are steep, and those who want to swim outside of this time should use sunscreen creams with a protection factor of at least 15.”

“CONSUME AT LEAST 2 – 2.5 L LIQUID EVERY DAY”

Emphasizing that heavy physical activities should be avoided in extreme heat, Public Health Specialist Dr. Nurten Elkin said, “Morning and evening hours should be preferred for intense physical activity. Closed areas must be well ventilated; Babies, children, the disabled and pets should never be left in closed and parked vehicles. Take frequent showers so that the body temperature does not rise. If it’s not possible, the feet, hands, face and neck should be wetted with cold water. Regardless of the feeling of thirst, at least 2-2.5 liters of fluid should be consumed every day. Along with primarily drinking water, beverages such as milk, ayran and fruit juice should be preferred instead of coffee, tea and carbonated drinks for fluid intake. Instead of drinks containing caffeine, milk, fruit juice, herbal tea such as linden and rosehip should be preferred. Since drinks containing caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar can cause more fluid loss in the body. Very cold and iced drinks should not be preferred as they may cause stomach cramps. There may be exceptional cases where there are fluid restrictions by the physician depending on the patient’s special health problem or the drugs they use.”

“PAY ATTENTION TO NUTRITION”

Stating that attention should be paid to the nutritional status in extreme heat, Dr. Elkin said, “The consumption of fatty foods and deep-frying should be avoided, and healthy cooking methods such as boiling or cooking in less water should be preferred instead of frying and roasting. Adequate and balanced nutrition is also important within the scope of strengthening the immune system, plenty of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed. It is important to pay attention to hygiene conditions in each of the stages of purchasing, preparing and storing food in extreme temperatures, and keeping meat, eggs, fish, milk and dairy products, mayonnaise and similar foods above a certain period of time, especially in a hot and open environment, poses a risk in terms of food poisoning. Foods should be consumed quickly after being cooked in the summer months or should be stored in the refrigerator without being at room temperature for too long. Again, in the summer months, the consumption of food sold outside and in the open should be avoided.

Warning about the possible heatstroke, Dr. Elkin stated that if it is not treated in the early period, it can cause permanent damage or death, and used the following statements:

“Heat stroke is the picture that is seen with the inability to lower body temperature due to the deterioration of the sweating mechanism as a result of exposure to excessive heat. If heatstroke is not treated early, it can cause permanent damage or death. In the clinical picture that occurs, the skin is dry, red and hot, and there is no sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting may accompany, and the fever has risen above 39.4, and the condition may progress to confusion and coma. In the intervention, the person is taken to a cool and air flowed place, the tight clothes are loosened, cold application is applied, if he is unconscious, liquid should not be given to drink and he should be taken to the nearest health institution.

“DO NOT APPLY YOGURT ON THE BURN”

Indicating that prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause sunburns, Dr. Elkin says, “In the clinical picture, the skin is red, painful, and extremely hot. If the individual has blistering, severe pain and fever, or if the patient is under the age of one, they should apply to the nearest health institution. Substances such as yogurt, tomato paste and toothpaste should never be applied to the burned area, and these water bubbles, ie bullae, should not be burst. In sunburns, physician control and medical treatment may be required depending on the degree of the lesion. It is important that the lesion is not infected. the sun's rays; The sun's rays have very important positive effects on the prevention of vitamin D deficiency, strengthening the immune system and psychological well-being of the individual, on health in short. However, long-term exposure can also cause adverse effects. Early aging of the skin, skin cancer, sunspots and the formation of cataracts in the eyes can be counted among these negative effects. Knowing that extreme heat can cause health problems for the body and knowing the early signs of these problems, it is important to take necessary individual and social health measures to prevent possible negative effects.