DAK Many more emergency patients in high heat

DAK-Health: Telephone hotline for the heat wave in Bavaria
Due to the high temperatures, doctors and health insurers expect an increase in the number of emergency patients. As the DAK health reports, were in the summer of 2013 in Bavaria, 77 percent more people because of health problems due to the heat wave in hospitals have been hospitalized as in the year 2011. The official hospital statistics of the Federal Statistical Office had two years ago, a total of 396 patients with a Sunstroke (diagnostic key T67.0). Almost a quarter of those affected (96) were children and adolescents aged between five and 15 years. In 2011, only 224 heat victims were registered in Bavaria.

In case of heat, drink enough liquid
"The tropical temperatures are particularly troublesome for children and older people," says Gottfried Prehofer, head of DAK health in Bavaria. "Many forget to drink regularly due to the decreasing thirst. This can quickly lead to dehydration, a lack of water in the body. "This manifests itself among other things by restlessness, circulatory problems, confusion and headache and in more severe cases by unconsciousness up to organ failure noticeable.

On Friday, June 3, the DAK health in Bavaria switches a medical hotline, at which doctors between 10 to 16 o'clock offer a telephone consultation to health complaints due to the high temperatures. The free offer can also insured other health insurance use the phone number 0800 1111 841.

For example, physicians advise patients with high blood pressure or diabetes with regard to the right way to deal with the heat. Even parents of toddlers receive medical advice. Employees can also find out about how the high temperatures in the office can withstand better.

Hot tips against heat
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) advises to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day. In heat, it may be quiet but three liters or more to cover the increased fluid requirements of the body. Recommended are water, unsweetened fruit teas or drinks containing electrolytes, such as apple spritzer. On the other hand, caffeine, alcoholic and sugary drinks should be avoided.

In addition, it is advisable to wear airy clothing and headgear to prevent sunstroke. Sunscreen with a sufficiently high sun protection factor is also essential before going outdoors. Especially in the midday heat the direct sunlight should be shunned and a place in the shade should be visited. (Ag)

d: Kurt Kleemann / fotolia.com)