Advice from Sima experts for the record heat in Sardinia
For the heat records in Sardinia the experts of Yes but they raise the alarm: from a sudden rise in temperatures risks to human health. “The record heat that will hit Sardinia from today, with the peak that could reach tomorrow i 44 degrees in the most internal areas of the island, it represents a serious danger to human health, especially for more fragile subjects such as the elderly, children and citizens with pre-existing pathologies”. Sima experts say this, Italian Society of Environmental Medicinewho today raise the alarm about the repercussions of the sudden rise in temperatures on the human body.
“Excessive heat causes health problems as it can alter the body temperature regulation system – states President Sima, Alessandro Miani – The human body cools itself through sweating, but in certain environmental conditions this is not enough: excessive humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, with body heat increasing rapidly and can damage vital organs and the brain. Excessively high temperatures can cause mild ailments such as cramps, fainting, edema, but also serious problemsfrom congestion to dehydration, worsening the health conditions of people with pre-existing chronic pathologies”.
Among heat-related disorders, the most frequent are:
- Sunstroke: causes rashes or burns even accompanied by symptoms similar to heat stroke;
- Cramps: physical pain caused by a loss of sodium due to sweating and a consequent modification of the water-salt balance;
- Edema: caused by fluid retention in the lower limbs as a consequence of prolonged peripheral vasodilation;
- Congestion: caused by drinking iced drinks in an overheated body, the symptoms consist of sweating and chest pain;
- Dehydration: main symptoms are thirst, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, anxiety, dry skin and mucous membranes, muscle cramps, lowering of blood pressure;
- Heat stroke: occurs when the physiological capacity for thermoregulation is compromised and manifests itself with a wide range of signs and symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. The first symptom is represented by a sudden general malaise, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of dizziness, leading to states of anxiety and confusion.
Practical tips to protect yourself from the heat:
- Avoid exposing yourself to heat and direct sun and only leave the house during the coolest hours
- Ensure adequate air exchange in the home and facilitate natural ventilation
- Keep rooms cool by screening windows exposed to the sun (using shutters, shutters, curtains, etc.)
- Close windows during the day and open them during the cooler hours of the day (in the evening and at night)
- Take frequent baths and showers with warm water
- Drink at least 1.5/3 liters of water during the day, avoid alcohol and prefer foods that contain a lot of water, such as fruit and vegetables
- When you leave the house, protect your eyes with sunglasses and prevent sunburn with high protection factor sunscreens
- Wear clothes made of natural fibers (linen or cotton) and breathable clothing, preferably light in colour
- Avoid outdoor sporting activity during the hottest hours
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