Hot weather warning: Expert announces risk groups
Extreme heatwaves are taking their toll across the country. In Trabzon, the unusually hot weather is causing those seeking to cool off to flock to the seaside, parks, gardens, and shaded areas.
Experts warn that direct sun exposure, especially during midday hours, and excessive heat indoors can cause problems in organs such as the heart and kidneys. Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü stated that the rise in air temperatures will continue, affecting the risk groups affected by extreme temperatures and leading to various illnesses. He said, “A heat wave is coming. We will experience hot days in Türkiye next week. Heatwaves and heat-related deaths have been reported in Europe for a long time.”
“In extreme heat, babies, the elderly, and chronically ill people should be careful. Overweight people, pregnant women, and those with lung, diabetes, kidney, and cardiovascular system diseases are in the risk group. Those who work outdoors, exert excessive effort, and athletes may experience health problems. We call this event heatstroke. It manifests itself with complaints of fainting, weakness, and headache. Blood pressure may drop in a short time, pulse may increase, and consciousness may change. If not noticed, it can lead to kidney failure and intravascular clots, kidney and cardiovascular failure,” he said. “HEAVY MEALS SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED” Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that individuals at risk should avoid direct sun exposure during hours when the sun’s rays are strongest, saying, “It is necessary to manage temperatures well. Those in the at-risk group should be careful; we recommend avoiding being in the sun and in unshaded places between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. They should not sit indoors and avoid consuming heavy, fatty foods and fried foods. We recommend that they wear comfortable, loose clothing. If they do not have a disease that prevents fluid intake, they should definitely drink plenty of water. They should not consume mineral water or salty ayran. Using a fan and air conditioner will be beneficial. A patient suspected of heatstroke should be moved to a well-ventilated area and cooled with a wet sheet soaked in ice water. Emergency medical intervention should be performed by calling 112.
Professor Dr. Tevfik Özlü emphasized the importance of caution for those in the risk group, saying, “Drinking alcohol in hot weather increases the risk. Some medications can increase the risk of heatstroke. Those at risk should be careful. When in the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella. We often resort to air conditioners and cold water to combat the summer heat. These can cause problems. When cooling your room or car, don't lower the temperature suddenly. Cool gradually and slowly. Don't direct the air conditioner's airflow directly at yourself. Drinking cold water without rest can cause cold-related damage to your throat, and bacteria that settle on it can cause infection.” "THE TEMPERATURES ARRIVED LATE BUT EFFECTIVE" Mustafa Bektaş, who jogs on the beach, said, "The temperatures arrived late but effective this year. I run for 15-20 minutes a day. I adjust myself according to the temperature. I do not approve of running for 1-2 hours in these temperatures. As the temperature rises, I will reduce my walking to 5 minutes." Indicating that she prefers recreational areas to cool off, Serap Tanış said, "Trabzon is extremely humid and hot. We cannot stay home. That's why we throw ourselves on the grass and drink tea."
ntv
