2023-07-02 07:35:45
Joint heat protection campaign of the tirol kliniken and the state starts
Number of hot days in the state capital has doubled in the last 30 years Severe heat waves can lead to various health problems Campaign aims to raise awareness of correct behavior during heat periods
Heat waves are no longer an exception in Tyrol either. Prolonged periods of heat can be very physically demanding and lead to serious health problems. Elderly people, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are particularly at risk. However, even simple measures can help to get through the heat wave in good health. Therefore, together with the tirol kliniken, a wide-ranging heat protection campaign of the state will start on Monday, July 3rd, 2023, which will draw attention to the right behavior during heat periods with five practical tips.
Health effects of heat
A heat wave is usually defined as a series of at least three consecutive days above 30 degrees. As a result, the trees and plants release less water and no longer cool. The number of hot days in Austria has multiplied over the past decades. In Innsbruck alone, the number of hot days has doubled from an average of nine days in the period from 1981 to 1990 to over 20 days in 2022. Extreme heat also affects the entire organism and puts a particular strain on the lungs, heart and kidneys. People over the age of 65, people with pre-existing medical conditions, infants and children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses or obesity, people who do heavy physical work outdoors, and people who need support and live alone are particularly at risk for heat-related health problems. “High temperatures and heat waves can exacerbate existing medical conditions and lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Prolonged heat also increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the increased UV radiation increases the risk of eye and skin diseases such as skin cancer,” says Health Minister Cornelia Hagele. In the case of chronic diseases such as cardiac insufficiency, it is therefore recommended to be examined regularly during extreme heat waves. Adequate sun protection and regular control of birthmarks help to minimize the risk of skin diseases.
“To keep calm”
That is the title of the joint campaign. This should offer added value on various levels: On the one hand, the population should be made aware of increasing heat waves and the right behavior in everyday life and in emergencies. On the other hand, the campaign is also part of a comprehensive heat protection plan by the tirol kliniken, according to the managing director of the Tirol Kliniken, Stefan Deflorian. “As tirol kliniken, we have a triple role: As the largest employer in Tyrol, we have a responsibility towards our employees. We want and must ensure that they are as well prepared as possible for the increasing number of hot days. Above all, however, we are a healthcare company that is preparing for the fact that global warming will be accompanied by heat-related illnesses and tropical diseases spreading northwards.” As one of the largest energy consumers in Tyrol, heat protection will also play an important role in the sustainable development of the tirol kliniken in the future . “In future construction and renovation projects, heat protection is already taken into account during the planning, for example with sun protection concepts and planting with facade and roof greening.”
Five simple tips once morest heat
During prolonged heat waves, the body can dehydrate more quickly due to increased sweating. On hot days, the water requirement increases to at least two liters a day. Health director Theresa Geley emphasizes that more attention should also be paid to easily digestible food when it comes to nutrition. “Dizziness, tachycardia or a feeling of weakness are the first signs of a fluid bottleneck in the body. Sufficient fluid intake is crucial on hot days so that cardiovascular diseases can be averted and important metabolic processes can be maintained. Heavy and greasy food puts additional strain on our body.” In order to cope well with the summer heat, the following five measures were put together in the heat protection campaign of the tirol kliniken and the state of Tyrol:
Healthy water balance: Drink enough, regularly and with variety. Beverages such as mineral water or diluted fruit juices are particularly good. Light summer menu: Eat lots of water-rich fruit and light food such as steamed vegetables. Short-term cooling: Cool your head, neck, hands and feet with wet compresses, a cold shower or cooling water spray. Caution instead of indulgence: Stay alert and watch out for symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, headaches, nausea, muscle pain, fatigue or blurred vision. These indicate overheating and can also occur long following exposure to the heat. Medication should be stored properly. Severe temperature fluctuations can affect the effectiveness of individual medications. First aid in an emergency: First aid is essential in all heat-related emergencies: Go into the shade, cool your body with damp cloths and drink enough! If necessary, also make an emergency call!
Further information on heat waves, heat protection and the campaign can be found at www.tirol.gv.at/Wärme
1688284923
#Heat #protection #practical #tips #heat
