Heat warning for Offenbach: How to protect yourself from the scorching heat!

Heat warning for Offenbach: How to protect yourself from the scorching heat!

From Wednesday, August 13th, the thermometer in Cologne will rise to mid-summer temperatures. A heat wave is expected, especially from Wednesday to Friday, which will pose challenges for citizens. The German Weather Service has already issued a heat warning and recommends taking precautions in good time to minimize health risks. The city health authority emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself and following simple behavioral measures to counteract the effects of the heat. It is advisable to drink enough, ensure adequate mineral intake and avoid physical exertion and long stays in the blazing sun. Keeping the skin cool with arm and foot baths and spraying with tap water are also helpful tips to make the heat bearable.

During the hot hours of the day, windows and curtains should be closed and blinds or blinds should be lowered gradually to cool down the apartment. Targeted ventilation in the cooler morning and evening hours is also recommended. Cross or shock ventilation plays an important role here, especially when it is cooler outside than inside. Even at night, Cologne residents should make sure to sleep in light clothing and only use bed sheets instead of heavy blankets.

Groups particularly at risk

Particular attention should be paid to those who are particularly vulnerable to the heat. This includes infants, young children and older people, especially those over 65 years of age or with existing health problems such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. For these groups, the room temperature should not rise above 26 degrees Celsius during the day.

Additional information and helpful tips for seniors to protect themselves from the heat can be found in the city of Offenbach's heat brochure. This can be found online on the City of Darmstadt website www.offenbach.de/wärme can be viewed or requested in printed form. In addition, the information on the website can be translated into many languages.

Increasing heat waves due to climate change

As is also explained on the Gesundheit.gv.at website, persistently high temperatures represent a major challenge for the human body. Fortunately, there is the option of getting advice via a heat telephone on 0800 880 800 in order to receive targeted measures to protect against the effects of heat. As the consequences of heat waves become more likely due to climate change, it is important to take meteorologists' warnings seriously and check your own protective measures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes climate change as the greatest health threat. Extreme weather events such as heat waves have direct and indirect impacts on human health and increase the risk of illness, especially among vulnerable groups. According to the Robert Koch Institute, population health is the focus when it comes to strategies to combat heat-related health risks.

Current studies from the Robert Koch Institute show that due to climate change, heat has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, which can increase both morbidity and mortality. Older people and people with previous illnesses are particularly affected here. In order to overcome the challenges, the RKI has launched cross-departmental projects to investigate excess heat mortality and to develop the methodology for estimating these deaths.

So be mindful, take good care of yourself and others, and stay informed - this will not only be good for your health, but also promote the well-being of the entire community.