Sometimes, simple gestures make it possible to avoid many mishaps!
At the end of this article, you will be armed to face this long period of heat wave.
Who is at risk ? Well everyone! Nevertheless, people particularly vulnerable to heat waves in general are babies, young children and the elderly , as they are sensitive to dehydration .
Also be vigilant if you are subject to physical exertion during these periods due to a sporting or professional activity requiring outdoor work (for example, construction worker). Prefer effortless activities, but when this is not possible, here are the right things to do:
- Protect yourself :
Drink water : at least 1.5 liters of water is the equivalent of 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
Eat in sufficient quantity : Choose cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers rich in water or even cold soups, which are easy to digest. On the contrary, avoid foods that promote diuresis (secretion of urine) such as mango, asparagus or even fennel.
Avoid alcohol : A glass of alcohol on the terrace? Why not, but not in very hot weather! Indeed, alcohol has a diuretic effect, just like tea or coffee.
So, contrary to popular belief, alcohol dehydrates!
Refresh yourself by wetting your body regularly, especially the body of young children, or the elderly people around you.
Apply sun protection in sufficient quantity, before exposure to the sun and repeat the application every two hours and especially after sweating, swimming or toweling.
- Protection of the habitat : It is recommended to keep the windows closed, lower the blinds or close the shutters in order to keep the room cool and prevent excess heat from overheating your home.
Heat wave and medication
In the event of a heat wave, a clinical evaluation of the state of hydration is essential before any decision to suspend treatment: this evaluation includes, among other things, recording of weight, heart rate, monitoring of blood sugar in diabetics and an evaluation water intake.
If you are taking certain medications which may aggravate the exhaustion/dehydration syndrome, namely:
- Diuretics (especially loop diuretics like furosemide)
- Those likely to alter kidney function (NSAIDs, certain antihypertensives, etc.)
- Antiarrhythmics,
- Statins
- Or thyroid hormones,
Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare professional to discuss a strategy for taking treatment during these heat waves.
In case of heat stroke or feeling unwell, CALL 15.