Pentecost tips against the enormous heat

DRK anticipates hot Pentecost weekend with emergencies

07/06/2014

The summer is fast: In the next few days, temperatures of well over 30 degrees are expected. With a few tips, the Whitsun heat can be easily overcome. The German Red Cross (DRC) still expects heat emergencies - especially in the elderly and sick people.

Especially the elderly and the sick should be careful
Over the next few days, temperatures are expected to rise well above 30 degrees. Many are looking forward to the summer, but some people are suffering from the heat. Especially people with cardiovascular problems, such as the chronically ill, the overweight and the elderly, should be careful. At high temperatures, the blood vessels dilate, the blood pressure drops and the circulation is weakened. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and muscle and leg cramps may occur. The German Red Cross (DRK) in the district of Borken expects more with heat emergencies. If the condition of victims of heat can not be improved by measures such as cold compresses or the refueling of air, call the emergency rescue service (Tel. 112). To avoid that, some advice should be followed to prevent health problems.

Drink more than usual
In order to keep the body fit and healthy it is especially important to drink a lot. To prevent circulatory problems, every person should take at least one liter more fluid daily than usual, as the DRC recommends. According to a recommendation of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) should be drunk at least 1.5 liters per day and in heat also quiet three liters or more. Caffeine, alcoholic and sugary drinks should be avoided. According to DRK, drinks containing electrolytes, such as apple juice, are recommended when the heat is affecting the body. Too fast drinking and cold drinks should be avoided in order to avoid stomach problems.

Proper clothes and headgear
Attention should also be paid to the right clothing. For example, thin, light-tight fabric that absorbs perspiration and is heat-permeable at high temperatures is recommended. The sweat must be able to evaporate on the skin. In addition, a sun hat is a must for small children and the elderly to protect the scalp from the sun. Experts recommend that people with weak veins wear support stockings, especially on hot days, as these can prevent the blood from sagging due to the enlargement of the vessels in the legs, which causes additional circulatory problems.

Ensure adequate sun protection
Furthermore, it is important to ensure adequate sun protection. A place in the shade of a conventional parasol does not provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays, as its SPF (Initiative of SPF) is the initiative „Sunscreen? - clear!“ According to is only about five. Also, the clothing is not a 100% guarantee that there is no sunburn. According to the initiative, only a combination of shade, clothing, headgear, sunglasses and sunscreen with at least SPF 20 is helpful to effectively protect against skin damage.

One bottle of sunscreen per day
Often sunscreen is applied too thin and can not reach the sunscreen indicated on the package. An adult needs about three to four tablespoons of sunscreen if he creams his whole body. Prof. Rolf Daniels from the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen pointed out that a family of four people needs about a bottle of sunscreen per day. The right sun protection factor depends mainly on the skin type. The agent should be applied at least half an hour before going to the sun and regularly renewed. Experts recommend avoiding the midday sun between 11am and 3pm and avoid exposing children to direct sunlight.

Beware of pathogenic germs in the food
The high temperatures can also increase the risk that multiply in pathogenic germs and thereby cause discomfort such as abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting. The German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) warns that there is a risk of becoming infected, especially when eating meat that has not been cooked or that is insufficiently grilled. In addition, poorly chilled or superimposed foods with raw eggs, raw milk or ice cream should be avoided, since these are possible sprouting germs. Summer food should be easy to digest and consist of rather small meals.

Do not jump into unknown waters
Sport activities should ideally be put in the cooler morning or evening during the summer months. The district Vorderpfalz of the German Life-Rescue Society (DLRG) also points out that bathers should not jump with an athletic plunge into an unknown waters. As dredging lakes are usually very deep and deeper layers of water are much cooler than the upper ones, power loss and convulsions are quickly threatened. After sunbathing you should first cool down and then slowly go into the water - whether in the lake or in the pool.

Park car in the shade
The German Automobile Club (AvD) recommends parking cars in the shade as much as possible, since the vehicle heats up to 15 degrees less. According to the AvD, the interior of a car can heat up to 80 degrees on hot days. Especially when babies ride, parents should provide for the appropriate climate in the car. The vehicle should be well ventilated already before the start of the journey and suitable baby clothes for the offspring should be selected. Drafts increase the risk of cold for the baby. (Ad)

Picture credits: Th. Reinhardt