The worst thing we can do in hot weather. The doctor observes

There has been hot weather in Poland for several days. Thermometers will show even 38 degrees C. In such an aura, doctors invariably call for extreme caution – “disregarding heat is deadly”, and a young, healthy person can also become a victim of it. What is the worst thing we can do when the heat is pouring down from the sky? We asked the doctor Bartosz Fiałek about it.

1. The elderly and children are most exposed to the destructive effects of heat. A young, healthy person can also become its victim
2. Among the many threats related to heat, the worst situation was indicated by Bartosz Fiałek – according to him, it is going to the sun without any protection, and especially long sunbathing without protection
3. What can such behavior lead to and what else to pay attention to on hot days, he explained in an interview with Medonet
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Doctors: disregarding heat is deadly!

– Let’s charge the batteries, but remember at the same time – disregarding heat is deadly! Let’s protect our bodies and avoid overheating – appeals dr Bożena Janicka, president of PPOZ. As high temperatures return, it’s worth recalling their warnings and advice.

– When the temperature reaches 30 degrees C, the risk of heat stroke increases. Most often it occurs as a result of overheating of the head and neck – specialists from PPOZ reminded. Moreover, too long exposure to the sun leads to disturbances in the thermoregulation center, dehydration, and a drastic loss of electrolytes. – In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to unconsciousness and breathing disorders – warn doctors.

The elderly are most exposed to the destructive effects of heat. – That is why we recommend staying at home, especially in the middle of the day – reminded Bożena Janicka. However, if a senior needs to see a doctor, for example, he should dress a bit, remember to cover his head and take something to drink.

On hot days, you also need to pay special attention to children. – Running around the yard in the scorching sun with your head uncovered may end tragically – warned the president of PPOZ. The doctor reminded the little ones playing outside to drink something every half an hour. Parents of young children must not forget the iron rule in hot weather: We go for walks until 11 or in the afternoon after 15.

The biggest mistake we can make in the heat

As you can see, there are many dangers associated with heat, as well as mistakes that are easy to make then, and which can cost us dearly. But if you list the worst thing that can be done on a hot day, what would it be? We asked dr. Bartosz Fiałek.

– I believe that such a situation is going out into the sun without any protection, and especially long sunbathing without protection – I have here it also means sunglasses with sunscreen and a hat. Unfortunately, such situations still happen, often because some people want to get a beautiful tan or believe that this way they will ensure an abundance of vitamin D3 – the doctor tells Medonet, noting: – Of course, ultraviolet radiation is beneficial in small amounts (e.g. it affects on the production of vitamin D3), but in excess it is harmful, leading to many problems.

– Lying in the sun without protection, we risk primarily skin burns (including the degree of blistering), but also heat stroke – explains the specialist. The doctor also points out to the “long-term damage” caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. – This is the possibility of damaging our DNA with subsequent neoplasms, such as skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. Excess solar radiation also harms the eyes – it can lead to cataracts.

The heat. What filter will protect us? The doctor explains

It all depends on the place, time spent in the sun and weather conditions. – We deal with a different situation when the sun “breaks” through the clouds and the wind blows, another when the sky is cloudless, the wind does not blow, and we sunbathe by the water – explains Bartosz Fiałek.

Generally, it can be said that the lowest degree of sun protection (SPF), which will provide us with safety in the event of staying in the sun, is 30 – it stops about 97 percent. UVB radiation. – If we go outside for a literal moment, eg we only go to a nearby store, a cream with SFP 15 should be enough (it retains about 93% of UVB) – the doctor tells Medonet.

– However, if we plan to stay in the sun for a long time, because, for example, we are going to the beach, I recommend factor 50 – it is already considered a blocker and stops about 99 percent. type B ultraviolet radiation – the specialist advises.

How can dehydration end?

There is one more issue that Bartosz Fiałek points out when referring to the threats in heat. Your doctor reminds you to avoid strenuous exercise on hot days and to drink plenty of fluids. – Once, during my shift, a person came to the HED to run in the heat, forgetting to stay hydrated. It ended with acute kidney failure that required hospital treatment, he says.

Doctors remind you that you should drink at least 2 liters of fluid every day. Mineral water is the best, as well as drinks containing electrolytes and microelements – Doctors from the Health Care Center remind you that these fluids cannot be replaced by coffee or tea. Alcohol is absolutely inadvisable. – It dilates blood vessels, which causes even greater overheating.