As the scorching heat begins to intensify, protecting ourselves from hot weather has become very important. Especially to prevent health problems caused by extreme heat, we need to pay attention to certain points in daily life. So, what should we pay attention to in summer? Which behaviors should we avoid in extreme heat? You can find suggestions and all the details you are curious about in our article to help protect your health in hot weather.
Yes, especially those at risk of cardiovascular disease and the elderly can be negatively affected. Oily foods are difficult to digest and increase the workload of the digestive system. These organs need more blood due to the increased workload. While our body tries to carry the necessary blood to the digestive system, it can inadvertently increase the heart's workload. Additionally, because blood vessels widen under the influence of hot weather, blood pressure tends to drop. All these factors can reduce the amount of blood that needs to go to the coronary arteries. If risk factors such as obesity, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes are present, this can trigger a heart attack or strain the heart.
The question "Does drinking tea relieve heat?" is commonly asked among people. Drinking tea does relieve heat, but not always. Consuming hot beverages, such as hot tea, can increase the body's sweating response, especially in hot weather. When we sweat, the water on our skin evaporates and cools our body. In this way, especially in dry and hot environments, our body heat is partially relieved. If the environment has high humidity, the cooling effect is reduced because evaporation is less. In fact, we can say that drinking water is always a more logical choice to relieve heat and cool down.
No, it is not a cause of illness by itself. However, consuming cold drinks or ice cream can cause throat irritation and mild damage to the upper respiratory tract mucosa. Illness can only occur if you are exposed to an infectious agent such as a virus or bacteria at that time.
No, it is not good. The lactic acid in yogurt irritates the skin, and since the skin barrier is compromised due to the burn, the risk of infection may also increase.
For those wondering, "Can air conditioning make you sick in hot weather?" it is possible to say yes. Especially if we suddenly move from a hot environment to an air-conditioned and very cold environment, especially when we are sweaty; muscle spasms, muscle stiffness such as a stiff neck, nerve compression, and complaints similar to the common cold may develop.
The phrase "being in a draft" is used when you are in the middle of a strong, cold airflow coming from two different directions, such as standing in front of an open window or door. It can particularly cause muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, and pain. There are also some studies suggesting it may cause facial paralysis. While cold airflow alone does not increase the risk of infection, it can affect the natural defense mechanism of the respiratory tract and trigger the body to be affected if a virus or bacteria is present in the environment.
Yes, it is harmful. Staying in a damp swimsuit can increase the formation of fungal infections on the skin, especially in the genital area in women. Additionally, salty and chlorinated water can cause skin dryness and irritation. In sensitive individuals, chlorine can cause an allergic reaction.
On a sunny day, especially if we are in an open area, we can get sunburned even in the shade. This is because the sun's rays still reach us by reflecting off objects around us. For example, the main reason we get sunburned while sitting under an umbrella at the beach is the sunlight reflecting off the sand and other objects around us.
Yes, it can. Especially in dry air with low humidity, it can cause dryness and irritation on the skin, leading to sunburn. You can think of it like the effect of holding a hot hairdryer against your skin. Additionally, in sunny environments, especially outdoors, sunlight reflecting off surrounding objects also increases the formation of burns.
Yes, unprotected and excessive sunbathing is a risk factor for developing skin cancer.
When the ambient temperature is high, our sleep quality worsens at night, and it becomes harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, hot weather causes the loss of fluids and minerals through sweating throughout the day. In hot weather, blood vessels relax and blood pressure may drop, which can also cause energy loss and a feeling of fatigue. These can make us feel sleepy.
This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.
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Alo Yeditepe