RECOMMENDATIONS IN CASE OF HEAT WAVES AND BULLETINS OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
No to cooling fans with very high temperatures [1]; yes to air conditioners but with the temperature not set too low [2]. These recommendations can be found in the handbook that the Italian Ministry of Health published on the day that the “Estate Sicura 2018” campaign (Safe Summer 2018) was launched, which was accompanied by traditional summer bulletins, reporting on heatwaves in Italy.
The ministerial recommendations – that are included in the National Prevention Plan against the effects of heat on health – are inspired by common sense, but a number of rigorous scientific studies support them. In particular, we would like to mention the following recommendations:
- Don’t go outside during the hottest hours [3]..
- Improve home and work environments: the simplest measure is by shielding any windows facing south and southwest with curtains and adjustable shutters that block the passage of light, but not air. Air conditioning is of course effective, but it must be used with caution and the temperature must not be set too low in comparison to the temperature outside.
- Drink large quantities of fluids: drinking a lot of water and eating fresh fruit are essential to countering the effects of heat.
- Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Eat light meals.
- Wear comfortable and light clothes, made of cotton, linen or natural fibres. When outdoors, it is useful to wear light hats of a light colour to protect the head from direct sunlight. [We would like to add that it is also important to wear sunglasses with authorised filters. ]
- Ventilate your car before travelling. In this case, set the temperature of the air-conditioning system to a level about 5 degrees lower than the outside temperature, avoiding directing the vents towards the body. If you must travel, avoid the hottest hours of the day and always keep a supply of water in the car. Never leave babies, children or animals in the car, not even for short periods.
- Avoid physical exercise in the hottest hours of the day. In any case, drink large quantities of fluids if you do physical activity. Athletes should compensate the loss of electrolytes with supplements.
- Take care of people who may be at risk by paying them a visit at least twice a day and checking that they don’t show any symptoms of heat disturbance. Check more often on babies and young children.
[1] over 32° C.
[2] between 25° and 27° C, while previously the advice was 24°-26°
[3] On days when the predicted risk is high, time spent outdoors should be reduced in the hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Main Source: Ministero della Salute
