Summer, measures against the heat of the Ministry of Health – Salute24 – Il Sole 24 Ore

As every year the summer heat threatens the health of the populations most sensitive, particularly small children, pregnant women, the elderly and chronically ill. High temperatures are, however, a danger to everyone. For this reason, even in 2014 the Ministry of Health has activated the program Safe Summer and spread its handbook to deal with the heat without taking unnecessary risks.

Among the initiatives is the National System prediction alarm heat waves . Active from 3 June to 15 September in 27 cities (Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Cagliari, Campobasso, Catania, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Messina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Reggio Calabria, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Trieste, Venice, Verona, Viterbo) allows you to stay informed about the weather and climate at risk through daily bulletins published on the website of the Ministry and disseminated to the local reference centers. The service is available from Monday to Friday, offers communicated on the possible health effects of expected weather conditions at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The website of the Ministry also provides a guide for the population and brochures designed for healthcare professionals . Finally, it will soon be available a list of toll-free numbers and services offered in the area to support the population more fragile.

Here is the Decalogue Ministry to beat the heat.

1. out of the house in the cooler hours of the day , avoiding the time range 11-18 and protect your head with a light hat, wearing sunglasses and shielding UV rays with appropriate sunscreens.

2. Wear appropriate clothing and lighter , non-adherent and natural fibers.

3. Freshen up the home environment and work , shielding windows from the sun, keeping them closed during the day and open in the evening and at night. Use the air conditioner only on days with weather conditions at risk, by adjusting the temperature between 24 and 26 ° C, cleaning filters, avoiding the use of contemporary appliances that produce heat and covering going from a warm to a colder .

4. Reduce body temperature with baths and showers with warm water and wet face and arms with fresh water. If it is very hot refresh your head with a wet cloth.

5. Reduce the level of physical activity , including heavy work.

6. Drink regularly and eat properly . Drink at least 2 liters of water a day even if you do not feel the need, avoid alcohol and limit the consumption of carbonated beverages or too cold. Prefer light food and with high water content such as fruits and vegetables. Do not leave food outdoors for more than 2 hours.

7. Take some precautions if you go out in the car . Ventilate the car after they left parked in the sun, make sure the temperature of the child seat and never leave children or animals in parked cars. Begin the journey with open windows or turning on the air conditioner.

8. Store drugs properly , keeping them in their package.

9. Take special precautions in case of people at risk . Consult your doctor for any adjustments therapies, report you any discomfort and do not ever suspend its own initiative ongoing therapy.

10. Supervise and care for people at risk , such as family members, neighbors, elderly and homeless, pointing to social and health services of any situations that require intervention.

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