Hot weather brings risk of heatstroke

Babies, young children, elderly are at highest risk; old people especially should drink eight to 10 glasses of water on hot days

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
US heat wave New York_311 (photo credit: Reuters)
US heat wave New York_311
(photo credit: Reuters)
With the weather for the next few days predicted to be especially hot, the Health Ministry urged the public on Sunday to take measures to protect their health and that of their family. Exposure to the sun and heat should be minimized, and physical exertion outside, including hikes, should be avoided at high temperatures.
Babies and young children and the elderly are at highest risk from overheating; old people especially should drink eight to 10 glasses of water on hot days so as not to dehydrate, the ministry said.
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People of all ages should drink – preferably cool water – according to the amount of exertion. Follow news reports to be informed about the latest forecasts. Drinking soft drinks is not desirable; neither are carbonated drinks and beverages with alcohol or caffeine, the ministry advised.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle for even a moment, as it turns into a furnace in the heat and is deadly.
The ministry reported that in recent years, there have been a number of cases of young adults suffering from heatstroke when carrying out aerobic exercise such as bike riding and running on hot days.
Such a situation can even be deadly. Always take water with you when outdoors.
Indoors, the ideal temperature is 24º Celsius. If you have no air conditioning and the building is very hot, try to go to an air conditioned location such as a shopping mall for at least two hours a day.
If you notice that someone is suffering from sudden confusion, reduced alertness or functioning or other symptoms such as serious weakness, dizziness, nausea or fever, take them for urgent medical care.