With the increase in temperature, many ailments such as sunstroke and heat cramps adversely affect our health, and sometimes this situation can reach life-threatening dimensions. Taking protective measures against summer heat provides protection against the negative effects of hot weather.
If the heat impairs the clarity of vision…
Sunstroke, which is frequently encountered in hot weather, is an important health problem that can be life-threatening. In case of sunstroke, it is necessary to take the person to a cool place, cool slowly and supplement with fluids. If the person is conscious, a salty buttermilk can be drunk and compressed with ice. However, in cases of impaired perception and coordination ability, deterioration in visual clarity, prominent eye sockets, loss of consciousness, it is necessary to apply to a health center without wasting time.
Salt-containing fluid intake is important in cramps
Heat cramps can be seen in the arms, legs or abdomen with salt loss from excessive heat. The cramps can be brief but repetitive and painful. Therefore, in case of cramps, the patient should first rest in a cool place. If there is no reduction in cramping after rest, 1-2 glasses of fluid containing salt should be taken. The cramped muscle should never be massaged.
Do not try to cool off with a wet hat
Using the hat by getting wet may be sufficient for cooling; but it is not right to do this all the time. Being exposed to the wind for a long time with a wet hat or clothing can lead to musculoskeletal diseases called “fibromyalgia”.
Blood pressure medication should be adjusted for summer
Since extreme temperatures and high humidity can adversely affect blood pressure patients, the doses of blood pressure medications used in summer should be adjusted according to the temperature, and summer adjustments should be made for medications. Since the body cannot balance its temperature in hot weather, blood pressure increases. Therefore, humid weather is not suitable for high blood pressure patients. These people should have their blood pressure measured frequently, and routine doctor examinations should be done at the beginning of summer. If the blood pressure drop problem is felt frequently, a doctor should be consulted without wasting time.
High risk of stroke in heat
Hot weather also increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage, especially in high blood pressure patients over 50 years of age. increased body temperature with heat; It can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, especially in diabetic patients accompanied by nerve damage, taking diuretic blood pressure-lowering drugs and patients who do not consume enough fluids.
Hot weather can increase poisoning
Meals made without paying attention to hygiene rules, vegetables and fruits that are not washed well can cause intestinal infections. Bacteria that can cause intestinal infections in hot weather reproduce more easily in food. Even bacteria left by a fly landing on a meal can reproduce and cause disease. For this reason, depending on the heat, more food poisoning, summer and travel diarrhea can be seen in summer.
Suggestions to stay healthy in summer…
• Antipyretic should be used instead of antibiotics in case of high fever.
• Edema can be reduced by not applying cold to hand and foot swelling.
• Air conditioners should be set so that the ideal temperature is between 23-24 degrees and the relative humidity is between 40-50 percent.
• Diabetics must carry “sugar” with them.
• There is no need to take additional vitamins in hot weather. Animal and vegetable proteins and vitamins must be taken through natural foods.
• Against dehydration, that is, fluid loss, a glass of water should be consumed every hour. Heart patients should not drink cold water.
• Although it may seem refreshing in hot weather, carbonated drinks should be avoided. The most innocent drinks that can be consumed other than water are ayran and lemonade.
• Menthol chewing gums can also be refreshing in hot weather.
• Instead of heavy, tomato paste dishes, dishes made with vegetables and olive oil should be preferred.
• Sports should be done in the evening when the weather is cool or in the early morning when the sunlight is not steep.
• Unless it is necessary, one should not go out between 10:00 in the morning and 16:00 in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays are steep.
• Shoes should not be worn without socks in order to prevent fungus formation on the feet.
• To cool off, take a shower with warm water instead of cold.
