Well-being is crucial for everyone. - Pharmacists warn of the increasing danger of heatstroke and sunstroke.
During the summer months, temperatures are on the rise - those who fail to take precautions may experience heat stroke or sunburn. Climate change is said to pose the greatest health risk in Germany, as stated by the Lower Saxony Pharmacists' Chamber on National Heat Action Day (June 5th). The year 2023 saw the hottest temperatures globally since temperature monitoring began, and the trend is continuing.
Cities have been particularly affected by the extreme heat, endangering elderly citizens, young children, and homeless individuals, as cautioned in the "Pharmacy Review." There were approximately 3,200 heat-related fatalities reported by the Robert Koch Institute over the past year.
Heat stroke results from excessive brain overheating caused by direct sun exposure, according to the Lower Saxony Pharmacists' Chamber. This condition stimulates brain membranes and may result in swelling, leading to headaches, nausea, and disorientation. In extreme cases, sweating may cease entirely, causing rapid body temperature spikes and potentially life-threatening consequences. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and low blood pressure accompanied by loss of consciousness.
For sunstroke, the first step is to move the person out of the sun and cool their head with damp cloths; never cool the entire body. Provide water, tea, or isotonic drinks to a conscious person. In the event of a heat stroke, cool the entire body down and monitor breathing and consciousness. Keep a person who has lost consciousness in a stable position.
Regarding heat protection in public spaces, there is no standard rule set by the government - this decision lies with local municipalities. On a tour of state capitals, the "Pharmacy Review" found that many cities have implemented measures: Berlin, Potsdam, and Düsseldorf recommended shaded green spaces or water playgrounds on a special map. Hannover supported institutions providing water and sun protection to homeless individuals, enabling them to find cool refuge in underground stations. Hannover is also working on increasing the city's greenery with the help of large barrels. The city of Bremen plans to present a completed heat action plan this summer.
The Pharmacists' Chamber encourages everyone to drink plenty of water, avoid spending time in direct sunlight during the hottest hours, and eat light foods such as fruits and vegetables to help cool the body. Pharmacists emphasized the importance of using sunscreen with a suitable UV protection factor, wearing headgear, and dressing in airy clothing. Infants and young children require head coverings as well. Lastly, it's crucial to minimize strenuous physical activity.
Medications may become less effective or even ineffective due to the heat, so the Pharmacists' Association raised the alarm. To maintain their efficacy, medications should be stored in cool, dry places at temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees.
Posted [2023-08-01 19:37:03]
Read also:
- Given the rising temperatures during the summer, the Robert Koch Institute in Germany has reported an increase in heat-related fatalities, including those related to heat stroke and sunstroke.
- As a precaution against heatstroke and sunstroke, the Lower Saxony Pharmacists' Chamber advises people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and use appropriate sunscreen during the summer months.
- To protect children and vulnerable groups from the effects of extreme heat, many cities in Germany, such as Berlin, Hannover, and Bremen, have implemented measures like providing water and sun protection and creating shaded green spaces.
- In Hanover, efforts to combat heat stroke and sunstroke among homeless individuals include offering water and sun protection in underground stations and increasing the city's greenery using large barrels.
- In addition to heat prevention measures, it's essential to store medication properly in cool, dry places between 15 to 25 degrees to maintain their efficacy during the summer heat.
- The German Pharmacists' Association has warned that medications may lose their effectiveness due to high temperatures, affecting the health of individuals who rely on these medications during the summer months.
