Heat risk: How to protect seniors from heat stress in Görlitz!

Heat risk: How to protect seniors from heat stress in Görlitz!

Görlitz, Deutschland - What moves us in these hot days? In Saxony, it is above all the temperatures that are creating people. Wednesday was loud sächsische.de The hottest day of the year. Heat waves are no longer uncommon nowadays and are becoming increasingly common - a clear indication of the effects of climate change.

How quickly the situation is worried not only shows the increasing average temperature, but also the associated health risks. Older people who have reduced welding production and limited kidney and circulatory function are particularly at risk. Dr. Fritz Klippel, senior physician of the Clinic for Internal Medicine II / geriatrics at the municipal clinic Görlitz, warns: "The health consequences can be serious, from dehydration to heat shells."

dangers from heat stress

A study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows that in 2018 530 people died in the consequences of heat waves in Saxony. The RKI reports on the special risks for seniors who often live alone and have less physical reserves. In addition, chronic diseases and certain medication can significantly disrupt thermoregulation.

How heated stress can be expressed? The symptoms are diverse: dizziness, weakness, headache and even confusion are alarm signs that should not be ignored. Dr. Klippel and his team in Görlitz are already relying on preventive measures such as sufficient drinking and a cooling diet. A medication check to identify risk potential should also not be missing.

a holistic approach

The World Health Organization (WHO) also sees climate change as "the greatest health threat to humanity". It is clear that convincing strategies are needed to minimize the health effects. Climate change not only influences our immediate well -being, but also has indirect effects on social determinants of health, such as access to medical institutions and services.

Current forecasts show that extreme weather events such as heat waves can also affect mental health and could even lead to an increase in mental illnesses. Therefore, the RKI has founded a cross -departmental working group that deals with the challenges of climate change and works with the aim of capturing and minimizing the health risks through heat and other climatic changes.

prevention is better than healing

A call for caution: Especially in this hot season, preventive measures such as regulating room temperatures and the search for social support are essential. Health -sensitive structures have established hospitals and care facilities in Görlitz to better monitor affected people.

structural adjustments are also required. A lack of social contacts can also lead to an increased risk. The geriatrics of the Görlitz clinic relies on drinking plans and ensures that nursing staff are trained in dealing with heat loads. Finally, the focus is also on fall prevention to protect the older fellow citizens in the best possible way in the hot summer months.

What does your heat provision look like? Stay hydrogenated, protect yourself from the sun and search for help if necessary - according to the motto: Sleeiness is required in the heat!