High “Jürgen” with temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius not only brings perfect bathing weather, the extreme heat also poses dangers for the body. Sunburn, heat-related circulatory problems and heat stroke can be effectively prevented with relatively simple preventive measures:
Drink enough
Because the human body is made up of around two-thirds water, it is particularly important to drink fluids regularly on hot days. The Red Cross recommends drinking two to three liters throughout the day to compensate for fluid loss through sweating – even if you are not yet thirsty. Tap water, unsweetened tea and diluted fruit juices are best suited for this.
No cold showers
Although a dip in the cold shower promises to cool off quickly at first glance, it is often counterproductive. The cold water constricts the blood vessels, making it harder for heat to escape. It is therefore more advisable to take a shower with lukewarm water, refresh yourself with a spray bottle or cool wraps on your arms and legs.
Stay cool
When outside temperatures rise to dizzying heights, it is better to stay indoors in a cool or air-conditioned environment. Staying in the sun for too long not only puts you at risk of sunburn, but also sunstroke or heat stroke. The best way to keep the heat out is to keep all windows, curtains and blinds closed. The ideal time for airing is early in the morning or late in the evening.
Alternatively, the heat wave can also be spent in air-conditioned public buildings, such as cinemas or shopping malls. In Vienna, those suffering from the heat have the opportunity to visit two so-called “Cooling Centers” run by the Red Cross. In these Air-conditioned, quiet rooms you can stay for free and relax from the physical stress caused by the heat. In Linz, around 80 drinking fountains and seven ornamental fountains with drinking water quality provide refreshment. The locations of the public drinking facilities, which are open until autumn, are available on the City of Linz website.
Avoid physical exertion
Overheating occurs when the body’s temperature regulation no longer works after a long stay in a hot environment. At temperatures that are above your own body temperature, the risk of heat stroke increases considerably. Excessive physical exertion leads to increased heat production, so the risk of heat stroke is particularly high during sport. You should therefore avoid the midday heat for training sessions and shopping and use the morning and evening hours for this.
Heat emergency: what to do?
According to the Red Cross, the first warning signs of sunstroke or heat stroke are:
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- slackness
- Dry mouth
- Cramps in arms and legs
If, despite preventive measures, a heat-related emergency occurs, you should keep a cool head and act as quickly as possible: the person affected must first be taken out of the sun and into a cool place. Sit the person up straight, with the upper body and head erect. Then give the person something to drink and place your cool cloth on your forehead and upper body. If there is no visible improvement after a short time, the rescue should be alerted and medical help should be sought.
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