Heat alarm in MV: Children threatened-DAK demands protective measures!

Heat alarm in MV: Children threatened-DAK demands protective measures!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - The health risks caused by heat are a topic that affects us all - especially our children. A current analysis of the DAK shows alarming numbers on child health in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. At temperatures from 30 degrees, the risk of treatment damage in children from 0 to 17 years increases by seven times. Already from 25 degrees, negative effects on health can be demonstrated, which also exacerates the Situation for the little ones. Over 2 million pension contacts and more than 164,300 temperature data were evaluated for this report between 2017 and 2022. On heat days, if the temperatures rise above 30 degrees, over 80 children and adolescents in the region are treated annually with heat striking or similar disorders. The DAK therefore demands urgently effective heat protection plans for daycare centers, schools, playgrounds and sports fields to ensure the safety of the children. N-tv reports that…

In Berlin, a special analysis of the DAK shows that over 180 children and adolescents are treated with heat damage every year. The head of the DAK in Berlin, Volker Röttsches, underlines the importance of heat protection as a significant part of child protection. A survey shows that 73% of children in eastern Germany report health problems in the heat, while 25% of them are very concerned about the health consequences of climate change. [DAK informs about…] (https://www.dak.de/presse/landesthemen/berlin/kinder-und-jugendgeheit/berlin-hitze-gefaehrdet-kindergesundheit- Verderschäds_137166)

The dangers of climate change

But the problem is not only taken seriously by the DAK, but also by the professional association of pediatricians (BVKJ). Climate change and the associated heat waves represent a growing threat to the health and development of our children. Children are more sensitive to heat than adults, which has several reasons: their ratio of body surface to body weight leads to faster overheating, and they have an immature welding regulation that affects the cooling function of the body. In addition, children tend to pay less attention to their fluid needs. Typical signs of heat load are headache, fatigue and concentration disorders. Kinderaerzt-im-Netz describes the situation…

practical tips for parents

The responsible people advise parents and caregivers to a high degree of attention. The recommended protective measures include regularly calling water and unsweetened drinks as well as wearing light, airy clothing and head protection. The stay in the shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., should also be preferred. It is important to pay attention to warning signals such as headaches or dizziness and to take suitable measures immediately if there are any signs of overheating. In the event of persistent symptoms, the consultation of a doctor is advisable.

summarized it shows that the heat is a serious danger to our children. The demands for nationwide heat protection plans and better protection in schools and daycare centers are getting louder. It is up to us not to lose sight of these topics and act in good time.