Dealing With Heat - Tips

Correct use of heat

When the thermometer moves towards 30 degrees Celsius, the high temperatures put a strain on the body. In addition, high humidity can make the situation more difficult. In older people, but also in children or sick people, the circulatory system often does not quite play along. In addition to sunburn, sunstroke and heat stroke are other undesirable consequences on hot days. It is particularly important for the elderly, the sick and children to be well prepared when going into hot days. But everyone else can also take measures to make the heat more “bearable”.

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Preventive measures

You can do that:

• Avoid direct sunlight, especially around noon.
• Wear light clothing that covers the body. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor.
• Avoid exertion (e.g. intense sport, physical work in the sun, driving in overheated cars).
• Generally go to cool and shady places, possibly air-conditioned rooms.
• Keep rooms cool. Ventilate in the morning and at night and darken during the day, hang up damp towels if necessary, and possibly also air-condition your own apartment.
• Cool down with water (e.g. shower lukewarm or cool shower). Do not jump into cold water or shower directly while overheated.
• Drink a lot. The following applies to healthy adults: at least 1.5 to 3 liters per day. Prefer tap or mineral water, unsweetened fruit and herbal teas as well as diluted fruit and vegetable juices. Drink the drinks at the right temperature - not ice cold. Avoid alcohol.

Tip If you sweat heavily, you can compensate for water and mineral loss with the following "cocktail", for example: Squirted apple juice (mixing ratio: 1 part apple juice: 2 parts water) + 1 pinch of salt.

• Eat easily digestible, low-fat foods - for example fruit, vegetables, salad, low-fat (diluted) milk and dairy products - for example buttermilk with (mineral) water. You can find more information on the subject in the information sheet Summer - Sun - Heat on the BMSGPK website and under Eating and drinking when it is hot.
• Older people in particular often do not drink enough fluids. Therefore: make drinks visible. Sometimes support may be necessary, for example when buying beverages and food (creating supplies, providing fresh fruit, possibly precooking, etc.). Regular support - for example by assigning visiting services as well as organizational assistance (such as creating a list of important phone numbers) - is also recommended.
• If you have cardiovascular disease, kidney failure or kidney disease and you regularly take diuretics (water tablets) or other medication, discuss the ideal amount of fluid for you with your doctor.

Sunstroke & heat stroke

Too much sun and heat can lead to health problems (e.g. sunstroke or heat stroke).

Alarm signals include dizziness, nausea, cramps, increased body temperature, fever, vomiting and headache. Clouding of consciousness, indifference and unconsciousness or circulatory collapse can also occur. In all of these cases life-threatening situations can arise. Therefore: Dial the European emergency number 112 immediately or call the ambulance 144 ! Provide appropriate first aid and follow the instructions of the emergency call center until the ambulance arrives. Cool the affected person (eg with damp cloths, donate shade) and give them fluids (except when consciousness is clouded or unconscious).

If the patient is unconscious, he / she must be brought into a stable lateral position. Do not add any liquid, otherwise there is a risk of suffocation.

For more information on emergency: heat stroke.

Here you will find compact information on high temperatures and great heat in sign language.