Ways to Protect Against Heatstroke

Ways to Protect Against Heat Stroke Experts from the Yuvam Dünya Climate Clinic, opened by Yuvam Dünya Association in cooperation with Koç University and Hacettepe University and aimed at raising awareness of the climate crisis and fostering collective transformation in society, shared information on these temperatures as a disaster and ways to protect against heat stroke. Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz and Prof. Dr. Mine Durusu Tanrıöver, members of the Climate Clinic Scientific Board, provided this guidance.

July saw the hottest 17 days in human history

In a statement, Yuvam Dünya Climate Clinic Scientific Board member Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz said, "The 17 days between 3-19 July were the hottest 17 days in human history. The global highest average temperature recorded on 6 July at 17.23℃ was the highest temperature of at least the past 125,000 years, and likely the past 3 million years. The cause behind these exceptionally high temperatures is undoubtedly global warming. The extreme heat in the western Mediterranean, in the Morocco-Portugal-Spain-Italy region, is causing temperature records to be broken in that area. At times this heat extending toward our country causes us discomfort, but what is happening in our country is not yet as severe as what is occurring in other parts of the world" he stated.

Watch for flooding in possible heavy rains on the Black Sea coast

Although heat waves are not officially recognized as disasters in Turkey, Kurnaz noted that in Italy heat has caused a 20 percent increase in heart and respiratory diseases, saying "Similar problems should be prevented in our country, so elderly people and those with health conditions should be placed under special protection before heat waves." He added: We should also be alert to possible flooding in our Black Sea coast, where temperature is not dominant. Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with chronic diseases Yuvam Dünya Climate Clinic Scientific Board member Prof. Dr. Mine Durusu Tanrıöver emphasized that during this period when the world is experiencing its hottest days, exposure to heat can be fatal, particularly in elderly people and those with chronic diseases, continuing as follows: "Those most affected by heat waves are people over 65 years old, pregnant women, infants and children, people with obesity, diabetes, chronic cardiovascular and kidney diseases, mental health problems, athletes, workers in outdoor environments and farmers. Certain medications used for heart disease, hypertension, allergies, psychiatric and neurological diseases, as well as alcohol and substance use can also increase the effects of heat."

Prof. Dr. Mine Durusu Tanrıöver: Heat cramps and skin rashes are warning signs

Tanrıöver described possible effects as follows: "Heat-related illnesses can be ranked from mild to most severe as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. A person may experience dizziness and disorientation, and may even faint. In more advanced stages, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, marked weakness and drowsiness may develop. Older people with chronic diseases are particularly affected. However, young and healthy individuals exercising excessively in hot and humid conditions can also experience heat stroke. When core body temperature rises above 40℃, it is characterized by confusion or loss of consciousness and neurological symptoms such as seizures. Heart and respiratory rates increase, blood pressure may drop. Weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, reduced urine output, bleeding, excessively dry skin and neurological symptoms may occur. If the medications used also block physiological adaptation mechanisms, heat stroke can develop much more rapidly. If these symptoms appear, particularly in people with chronic diseases and advanced age, it is important to seek medical care without delay. In case of heat stroke, rapid cooling of the body is vital."

What should be done to prevent heat-related illnesses?

· Nothing replaces water. Rather than waiting to feel thirsty, drink water regularly throughout the day. Do not forget that you need to drink more water than usual. · Avoid alcoholic, very sugary or caffeinated drinks. · Consume food in small portions but more frequently; avoid high-protein foods. · Carry out outdoor tasks during the cooler hours of the day. · Avoid crowded spaces. · Stay in the coolest room of the house; if you are outdoors, try to find shade. · Take frequent cool showers. · If you are going to exercise, generally prefer the coolest hours of the day, between 04:00 and 07:00 in the morning. · Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Use wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas and sunglasses. · When you begin living in a new hot environment, gradually increase the time you spend outdoors. · Do not leave children, people with chronic diseases and elderly people unsupervised outdoors for long periods. · Consult your doctor about the effects of medications you use and, if necessary, to have their doses adjusted. · Do not leave children, elderly people and pets in parked vehicles. · Regularly check that elderly people living alone and those with chronic diseases are safe during hot weather and warn them about necessary precautions. · Know the symptoms and signs of heat-related illnesses and what you should do if they appear in yourself or those around you.