Summer holiday period also brings dangers: Are you responsible for your health?

(Patria) - Our regions will be hit by a new heatwave at the beginning of this week, and the predicted temperatures will reach over 40 degrees, requiring special attention and care for the health of every organism, according to the Institute for Health and Food Safety of Zenica.

Dangers of Heatwaves

It is the holiday season, and July and August are when most people use their time to go to nature, by rivers, lakes, to the seaside... Regardless of how well you tolerate summer heat, whether you will be staying in the city, by the lake, or at the seaside, this season requires changes in lifestyle, from diet and clothing to a different schedule of activities. This particularly applies to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, overweight individuals, people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetics, chronic patients, athletes, and outdoor workers. The negative effects of heat on health are predictable and mostly preventable. There are guidelines for the general public and health professionals on coping with extreme heat.

INZ experts note that a rapid increase in thermal energy threatens the body's ability to regulate temperature and can result in a range of health conditions, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia. Prolonged periods of high day and night temperatures create cumulative physiological stress on the human body, exacerbating major causes of death, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney diseases. Heatwaves often cause emergencies and result in loss of work capacity, productivity, health problems, and even death.

To protect yourself and others from the heat, it is essential to ensure your living space is cool, preferably in the evening, and after ventilation, prevent direct sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 5 PM. Avoid going out whenever possible, especially physical activities during the hottest part of the day, and under no circumstances leave children or animals in parked vehicles, and be sure to keep your body hydrated, i.e., supplied with water and fluids.

It is necessary to sunbathe gradually (15 minutes on the first day, then gradually extend the time) while avoiding exposure to the sun's rays between 10 AM and 5 PM, wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing made of natural materials, with mandatory head protection with caps or hats, and wear sunglasses with UV protection. Due to high temperatures and increased fluid loss through sweating, the body and skin need more water in the summer (at least two liters per day, which is about eight glasses). It is recommended to drink fluids slowly, in small amounts, and to avoid alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages, which will only increase dehydration.

For individuals who sweat excessively due to their job (outdoor work, athletes...) and are prone to low blood pressure, in addition to plain water, mineral still water is also recommended, as we lose electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc.) through sweat.

Dangers of Spending Time Outdoors

If you are unsure whether the water you are swimming in is clean, avoid staying in it for too long due to possible infections, be careful not to swallow the water or dive with open eyes, and be sure to shower after swimming in such water. Uncontrolled exposure to the sun's rays, as well as not using sunscreen, can cause negative skin changes, including burns, premature aging, and, in the worst case, skin cancer, melanoma.

Regardless of skin type, it is most important to adhere to basic preventive measures, such as recommendations to limit outdoor activities to the morning and afternoon, i.e., reduce sun exposure between 10 AM and 5 PM when the UV index is highest. Also, when exposed to the sun's rays, it is mandatory, especially for children, to use products with the highest protection factor (50), which should be applied in a sufficiently thick layer at least 20 minutes before leaving the house, with reapplication every two hours and after every swim, according to the Institute.

In the summer, bites or stings from various insects are common, which can manifest as redness and itching of the skin, as well as large, painful swelling. It is important to keep the bite area clean to prevent infection. It is very important to try to refrain from scratching the skin, as this is how infection most often develops due to microorganisms entering through the wound caused by scratching. In case of swelling, apply a cold compress to the bite area (a wet towel or ice cubes wrapped in a kitchen towel) to reduce it. In case of infection or unusual skin changes at the bite site, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Throughout the year, and especially in the summer, care should be taken in the proper storage and preservation of food. In the summer, due to rising temperatures, improper food storage shortens shelf life and significantly affects the quality and nutritional value of food.

Pay special attention to perishable protein-based foods such as meat, eggs, fish, milk, and dairy products. In addition to proper food storage, adequate thermal processing, and thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, food poisoning can also be prevented by frequent hand washing and proper hygiene of dishes and food preparation utensils (especially cutting boards for meat).

Finally, experts note that by following the recommendations, you can enjoy all the benefits of summer without negative health consequences.