WHO warns: Prolonged heat causes increased mortality – Instructions to citizens

Major complications in the health of citizens can be caused by the prolonged , with the World Health Organization ( ) warning of the phenomenon that is a consequence of climate change and calling on governments to take measures. According to the WHO, thermal stress is the main cause of death by the heat wave and can exacerbate underlying health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental illness, and asthma. It may also increase the risk of accidents and the transmission of certain infectious diseases. Heat shock is an urgent medical condition with a high mortality rate. The number of people exposed to excessive heat is increasing exponentially due to climate change around the planet. Heat-related mortality in people over 65 years of age increased by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. Between 2000-2019, studies show that around 489,000 deaths per year are related to heat, with 45% of them recorded in Asia and 36% in Europe. In Europe alone in the summer of 2022, it is estimated that there have been 61,672 deaths due to heat. High intensity heats High-intensity heat phenomenon can cause acute mortality at high rates. In 2003, 70,000 people in Europe died as a result of the June – August heat. In 2010, 56,000 deaths occurred during the 44-day heat in the Russian Federation. The vulnerability to heat is affected by both normal factors, such as age and health status, as well as exposure factors such as profession and socio-economic conditions. How do high temperatures affect health? The amount of heat stored in the human body is determined by a combination: (a) inability to eliminate heat produced internally from metabolic processes due to heat stress (for example, high temperature, high humidity, low wind, high thermal radiation) , (b) clothing that creates a barrier to heat loss, (c) external heat increase from the environment. The inability of the body to regulate internal temperature and eliminate heat increase in such conditions increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat shock. Pressure exerted on the body as it tries to cool itself, it also strains the heart and kidneys. As a result, extreme temperatures can worsen health risks from chronic diseases (cardiovascular, mental, respiratory and diabetes) and cause acute kidney damage. Deaths and hospitals caused by extreme heat occur suddenly (on the same day and the following days), meaning that interventions must also be quick when a heat warning is issued. The heat can also disrupt and endanger basic health services, such as feed and transport, and can also reduce labour productivity and increase accident risk. What often happens in extreme heat is that people find it difficult to complete the work or process of learning – education, and that is why schools are often led to closure. Waves of heat can often be associated with a dangerous increase in air pollution. The effects of extreme heat on health depend on its duration and intensity, as well as the level of acclimatisation and adaptability of the local population, but also on the infrastructure of the region affected by extreme heat. What citizens should do Stay away from the heat. Avoid going out and doing intense activity during the hot hours of the day. Stay in the shade. Remember that temperatures in the sun may be 10–15 .C higher. Spend 2-3 hours during the day in a cool place. Watch the risk of drowning. Never swim alone. Stay up to date on state weather warnings. Keep your house cool. Use the night air to cool your house by opening the windows when it falls at night and when the external temperature is lower than the internal temperature. During the day when external temperatures are higher than internal temperatures, close the windows and cover them with blinds or shutters to prevent direct sunlight. Turn off as many electrical devices as possible. Use electric fans only when the temperatures are below 40 If you use air conditioning, set the thermostat to 27 Remember, it may have more cool outdoors. Keep your body hydrated. Use light and wide clothes and bed linen. Take cool showers or baths. Wet your skin using a damp cloth, spray or wet light clothing. Drink water regularly (1 cup of water per hour and at least 2-3 litres per day). Regular check-in with vulnerable people in your family – especially people over 65 years of age and people with heart, pulmonary or kidney disease, disability and individuals living alone. By Janna Soulaki / iatropedia.gr