THEn coincidence with the summer solstice of Sunday 21 Junethe day on which the sun will reach its maximum height of the year, a heat wave will begin which promises to be record-breaking and which worries meteorologists above all due to its duration. Even if iThe intense heat has become a stable presence of the summer season, alheat waves it’s hard to get used toYes. Dangerous, especially for the most fragile peoplelike the elderly and small children, can cause very serious inconveniences for everyone. However, some simple attention in daily life is enough to significantly reduce the risks associated with heat. The Ministry of Health has collected these indications in a decalogue.
African anticyclone, what awaits us from June 21st, and for how long
The heat wave caused by the African anticyclone will start coinciding with the summer solstice of Sunday 21 June. The weekend it promises to be marked by oppressive heat in the plains and inland cities, where the weather conditions will oscillate between torrid and muggy. TO Turin and Bologna will reach 39°C with humidity at 40%, in Verona and Perugia the thermometer will stop at 35-36°C, but with much higher humidity levels which will make the heat suffocating.
According to projections, temperatures will be very high for 5 consecutive days but probably until early Julywith a total absence of refreshments or storm disturbances for at least another two weeks. Second the meteorologist Luca Lombroso«we are preparing to a heat wave that could prove historic in duration”.
Heat waves: why they can become dangerous
Before seeing the tips for dealing with heat waves, it is also good to understand how the human organism works. In fact, it It has a sophisticated body temperature regulation system. When it is very hot, the body produces sweat and increases blood circulation to the skin to disperse heat. However, if the external temperatures are too high, or the humidity is very high, these mechanisms become less effective.
Be careful of dehydration
The consequence can be a progressive loss of liquids and mineral salts, until you get dehydratedfatigue, muscle cramps, drops in blood pressure. In more serious cases, however, it can lead to real heat stroke which represents a real medical emergency because the body temperature can rise rapidly, compromising the functioning of vital organs. This is why prevention remains the most effective strategy.
To help citizens overcome the hottest days, the Ministry of Health has developed a decalogue with the golden rules for protecting themselves. (Getty Images)
The decalogue to protect yourself from the heat
During heat waves it is advisable to limit going out as much as possible during the central hours of the daygenerally between 11am and 6pm, when solar radiation reaches its maximum intensity. If it is necessary to go out, it is preferable to choose shaded routes, make frequent stops and reduce non-essential travel. Even daily errands can be run early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures begin to drop.
Make your home a cooler place
The house can become a refuge from the heatbut only by adopting some precautions. During the day it is useful to keep windows, shutters, shutters or curtains closed in the rooms most exposed to the sun, so as to limit overheating of the rooms. Air conditioning is a great helpas long as it is used correctly. A temperature of around 25 degrees is generally sufficient to guarantee comfort without creating excessive temperature changes between inside and outside.
The fan paradox: watch out for the “phon” effect
As for the fan, it’s fine to use, but you shouldn’t ask it for things it can’t do. In fact, it it doesn’t cool the air, it just moves it. So, as long as it’s below 32 degrees in the house it’s fine, because it evaporates sweat and gives relief. However, when 32 degrees are exceeded, the fan turns into a hairdryer: blows hot air and dries sweat too quicklywith the risk of dehydrating without realizing it. The solution is to swing it, or point it towards the wall: the air will bounce around the room, refreshing the environment without hitting anyone directly.
Drink regularly, even if you are not thirsty
Another of the most common mistakes is waiting for the stimulus of thirst. In fact, when it appears, the body has already started to lose a significant amount of fluids. Drinking water throughout the day is essential, as well as consuming foods naturally rich in watersuch as seasonal fruit and vegetables. Alcoholic drinks should be limited because they promote dehydration, while tea, coffee and other caffeine-rich drinks should be consumed in moderation. However, there are some pathologiessuch as some heart, kidney or liver diseases, which require particular attention when drinking liquids. In these cases it is always advisable to follow the instructions of the treating doctor.
Lightness and freshness are better at the table
During the summer, nutrition can also help the body to tolerate the heat better. Meals that are too large or rich in fat require more digestive work and can increase the feeling of fatigue. Simple dishes are preferableeasily digestible, with abundant presence of fresh fruit and vegetables. Salt should also be used in moderation, favoring iodized salt, that is, enriched with iodine, an essential mineral for the correct functioning of the thyroid. Particular attention must also be paid to food conservation. In fact, high temperatures favor the proliferation of bacteria and make it even more important to respect the cold chain.
Clothing and sun protection
Dressing appropriately is another simple but important gesture. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen allow the skin to breathe better compared to synthetic fibers and help heat dispersion. When spending time outdoors it is advisable wear light hats, sunglasses with filters against ultraviolet rays e apply sunscreen high protection, especially on children, whose skin is much more delicate.
Be careful when traveling by car
Great attention also to car travel: in fact, if parked in the sun, a car can reach extremely high temperatures within a few minutes. Before leaving it is always better to ventilate the interior and use the air conditioning, avoiding temperatures that are too low. When traveling it is always advisable to have a supply of water epplan frequent stopsespecially on longer journeys. Then there remains an absolute rule: Never leave children, babies or pets inside the carnot even for a few minutes.
Sport yes, but with the right precautions
Physical activity does not necessarily have to be suspended during the summer, but must be adapted to the climatic conditions. The hottest hours are to be avoidedwhile workouts can be scheduled early in the morning or after sunset. Drink regularly, take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned environments and gradually increasing the intensity of training at the beginning of the season helps the body adapt better to the heat. For those who practice sport intensely, especially outdoors, it may be useful to evaluate the possible need with your doctor integrate the mineral salts lost through sweating.
More attention for the elderly, children and fragile people
The most vulnerable people are also those who often perceive the warning signs least. Older people may feel less thirsty And experience dehydration more easily. A sudden decline in autonomy in daily activities, such as eating, washing or moving around the house, can represent a wake-up call that should not be underestimated. Babies and young children also need special attention. If their body temperature increases, it may be useful to refresh them with a warm shower and temporarily lighten their clothing, always keeping them well hydrated.
Animals also suffer from heat waves
Heat waves don’t even spare our four-legged friends, who are greatly affected by extreme temperatures. For them fresh, clean water must never be missingas well as also go out preferably in the early hours of the morning or after sunset. Walking on hot asphalt, in fact, represents a real torture, capable of causing painful and serious burns to their delicate fingertips. Finally, maximum caution will be needed when traveling: you should never, for any reason, leave an animal locked in a car. Even with the windows slightly open, the passenger compartment will transform into a death trap in just a few minutes.
A dedicated number to receive information
To face the summer with greater confidence, from 22 June the public utility number 1500 of the Ministry of Health will be operational againcreated in collaboration with Inail. The service, active from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pmwill provide information on the risks linked to heat waves, information on the territorial services made available by Regions and Municipalities, advice for protecting the health of workers who work outdoors and clarifications also on the risks associated with insect bites. They are also published daily on the Ministry of Health website bulletins with heat wave forecasts for up to three daysa useful tool for planning daily activities and adopting the necessary prevention measures in time.