A heat wave chases another. After that of mid-June, a wave of strong heat threatens to break, posing increased risks to the health of newborns and the elderly. In conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Public Health France has launched the heat wave alert, a system allowing information on access to the health system, on the evolution of temperatures and above all on the actions to be taken to avoid to put yourself in danger.
Feeding yourself with waterlogged foods, spraying your face with an aerosol, closing the shutters of your home… There is no shortage of advice to limit the effects of rising temperatures on the human body. But not all friendly suggestions from loved ones are always good ones to follow. We suggest that you take a tour of the good (and bad) practices during the hot weather.
Should we eat less?
You have to take the advice that some may give you in reverse. You should not eat less during a heat wave. If it is recommended to limit meat, fatty and sugary foods, the quantities present on the plate should not be significantly reduced. Above all, do not skip meals despite the temptation to read in the sun or wait for the temperatures to drop for dinner. This recommendation applies especially to the elderly.
However, it is recommended to adapt your diet. It is important to turn to foods full of water such as fruits such as watermelon or melon and vegetables such as zucchini or cucumbers. Soups and yogurts are also recommended.
How many liters should you drink?
Already, it is better to avoid alcohol during hot weather, as well as sodas heavily loaded with sugar. It is thus recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water and up to 2.5 liters per day at most. You have to drink without waiting to be thirsty. Water is one of the means used by the body to evacuate excess heat, thanks to the evaporation of sweat on the skin.
It is also advisable to limit physical exertion as it dries out the body. Even if it seems intuitive, it is better to avoid drinking cold drinks. The cold is not always a good friend…
Looking for the cold (but not only…)
Drinking cold actually sends a “bad signal” to the brain. Being cooled by the drink ingested, the body no longer secretes sweat, which will accentuate the effects of the heat in the hours that follow. Better to opt for moderate heat. It is also recommended to apply this same principle when taking a shower. However, applying wet tissue to your skin is welcome.
The best way to fight against the heat is to make your home as cool as possible. Open the windows during the coolest hours, between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Better to take refuge there for the hottest moments, especially the elderly. We can also turn to a cool place like the cinema, the municipal library, the supermarket or the museum.
What about sun exposure?
It is strongly recommended to expose yourself to the sun by applying sunscreen which protects the skin from UV rays and the potential repercussions they can have on the body. Above all, the youngest should be protected from the sun’s rays. Babies under one year old should never be exposed to the sun. For children, it is recommended to wet the clothes, spray water on the face and uncovered parts of the body to refresh them and then cover them with sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light clothing are also welcome. So you can have style during a heat wave and take all the precautions.