Filenews 20 July 2023
Recommendations to the public due to the high temperatures recorded in Cyprus, are addressed by the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health.
General safety instructions
-Avoid frequent sun exposure, unnecessary handling and heavy physical exercise or physical labour. It is right to prefer shady and cool places and avoid crowded places
-Dress lightly with loose light-coloured clothing and use of hat and sunglasses, in case of sun exposure
-Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffees and prefer light low-fat meals with emphasis on fruit and vegetable intake
-Drinking plenty of fluids (water and fruit juice)
-Use of fans or air conditioning systems to create air flow especially during the hottest hours of the day. During the night it is advisable to keep the windows open
-Many and lukewarm showers during the day
-Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable population groups such as infants, the elderly and pregnant women. If there is a newborn in the house, it is recommended that it be lightly dressed. Ask your paediatrician for instructions on fluid intake
-People suffering from chronic diseases, such as respiratory or cardiovascular, it is advisable to consult their doctor for any special measures to take
-Avoid, as much as possible, the use of oven and cooker so as not to increase the temperature of your home further
-Never leave infants, elderly people, pets in a closed car.
Who is most at risk?
-Infants, young children and the elderly (especially elderly people living alone)
People who work or exercise vigorously outdoors and indoors with high temperature and humidity
-Those in areas with increased air pollution (industrial areas)-People suffering from chronic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, blood pressure disorders, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, lung diseases, obesity)
-People taking certain medications (eg insulin, antidiabetics, diuretics, anticholergics, psychiatric drugs)
-Women during pregnancy
-People with disabilities
-Symptoms of high temperatures
Initial symptoms may be:
strong headache weakness feeling overwhelmed tendency to faint change in blood pressure nausea vomiting rapid heartbeat
Heat stroke syndrome is manifested by:
sudden increase in body temperature ( >40.5οC)red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped)
dry swollen tongue
rapid heartbeat tachypnea intense thirst headache nausea vomiting dizziness confusion inability to orient and speak clearly aggressive or strange behaviour convulsions loss of consciousness or coma
Attention!
When the above symptoms are observed, consult your personal doctor or call for immediate medical help.
