- One in four people suffers from heat
Every fourth person in Germany has already experienced health issues due to extreme heat this year. According to a study commissioned by health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, these issues include fatigue, circulatory problems, and sleep disorders. In the age group over 60, nearly every third person was affected, showing a slight increase compared to last year, as indicated by DAK's heat report.
Many skip doctor visits - and regret it
According to a Forsa poll, heatwaves and extreme weather cause great concern for nearly two-thirds of people. Young people are particularly affected by fears.
Those surveyed who experienced health issues were mainly troubled by exhaustion (76%), circulatory problems (66%), and sleep disorders (59%). Only 5% of those with heat-related issues visited a doctor. Another 16% said they skipped a visit but should have gone.
Many fear a hot future
Given the predicted increase in heatwaves and extreme weather, 61% express great or very great concern. Young people aged 18-29 are particularly anxious, with 23% expressing very great concern, compared to 12% in the over-60 age group.
DAK board chairman Andreas Storm advocates for further expansion of heat prevention measures in Germany. "It's alarming how many people have already experienced health issues in the first heat weeks," he said. While the federal government, states, and municipalities have done some work, protection plans must be expanded further. "Especially children, the sick, and the elderly need better protection." The insurance boss also called for more heat protection in the workplace.
Care sector particularly affected
Many believe that something must be done urgently for members of certain professions and sectors. 89% think that construction, trades, and other physically demanding sectors are strongly affected by heatwaves. More people than last year consider the care sector in elderly and nursing homes (80%) and medical care in hospitals (58%) to be vulnerable.
Researchers also surveyed care workers, among whom the proportion of those heavily affected by heat is more than double the average of all employed people (49%).
Despite the health issues experienced by many, only 5% of those with heat-related problems sought medical attention, with another 16% regretting skipping a visit necessitated by their condition. DAK board chairman Andreas Storm emphasizes the necessity of expanding heat prevention measures, highlighting the vulnerability of children, the elderly, and those in certain professions to extreme heat.
