Persistent heat poses a particular risk to the elderly, people in care homes, the chronically ill and people who are overweight. There is a risk of dehydration and overheating. Young children should also be protected by not leaving them in full sun and by letting them drink enough. That reports ANP Expert Support.
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In hot summer weather, there is often a risk of smog from ozone. Air pollution in combination with a lot of sunlight and high temperatures causes high ozone concentrations. This can cause respiratory complaints (cough, sore throat, tightness of the chest). There is also a risk of nausea, dizziness and headaches.
Efforts
The complaints first start in people with lung diseases and in people who make extra effort. With great exertion, they breathe in the dirty air more deeply. When the air gets dirty, more and more people suffer.
Tips
Below we give tips on what people can do best in heat.
* Drink and eat enough. Avoid (a lot of) alcohol, because that will only make you dry out faster.
* Drink boullion so that you add salt to your body that you lose with sweating.
* Wear thin, preferably white clothing. White clothing reflects sunlight, while black absorbs heat.
* When you go outside, protect your skin from the strong sun with sunscreen and stay in the shade between 12 and 15 hours.
* Do not allow children and animals to sit in a stationary car for a while. Even with a window open it is way too hot there.
* If you want to exercise, do so early in the morning. There is then slightly less air pollution and it is cooler than later in the day.
* If you work outside, take extra breaks and then seek shade.
* Keep your home cool with blinds and by keeping windows and doors closed during the day.
* Cool off in water or take a refreshing shower regularly. But a shower that is too cold causes your pores to close to prevent heat loss.
* Pay extra attention to people in your area who need care. Older people in particular often forget to eat and drink enough, and often do not cool their house sufficiently during the cool hours of the day.
By: National Education Guide
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