‘A summer of care’: ten measures to minimize the risks of heat

The launch of the new health alert system for heat has coincided with the launch by the Ministry of Health of the ‘A summer of care’ campaign, which seeks to raise awareness among the population about the need to internalize protection measures against heat. increasingly high temperatures, which have come to stay throughout the country due to climate change. The campaign has the triple objective of ensuring that citizens develop and internalize preventive habits, of providing them in a simple way with the most effective advice for this protection and of making them aware of the need to transmit it, to lead by example, especially with groups more vulnerable.

The four central tips “protect, hydrate, refresh and remember” are the summary of the decalogue of healthy habits to minimize damage to health in these torrid days:

– Reduce physical activity and outdoor sports in the middle hours of the day.

– Drink water frequently, even if you are not thirsty.

– Avoid alcoholic beverages, sugary soft drinks and caffeine as much as possible, because they dehydrate.

– Stay as long as possible in cool, shaded or heated places and cool off whenever needed.

– Wear light, loose clothing that allows you to breathe.

– Eat light meals that help replace salts lost through sweat (salads, fruits, vegetables, juices).

– Pay special attention to babies and children, pregnant women, chronically ill people and the elderly.

– Consult a professional if you suspect heat-related symptoms that last more than an hour.

– Never leave anyone inside a parked and closed vehicle.

– Keep medications in a cool place, as heat can alter their composition and effects.