The moist front, the peony red skin, all right. But these signs are just the tip of the iceberg of heat-related diseases ...
Small precise of the main symptoms related to the heat and solutions to avoid to make of our summer a gigantic session of hammam.
Detect and prevent the ills caused by strong heat
Symptomatic cramps: in the abdomen, arms, legs ... They are often due to intense physical effort. To avoid them, we push the big jobs in the fall while sparing as much as possible.
Exhaustion: very common among the elderly, it is manifested mainly by fatigue and, paradoxically, insomnia ... So do not hesitate to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon.
Heat stroke: it's the most spectacular. The body exceeds 40 degrees and violent headaches, confusion or convulsions are felt. To avoid a dramatic end to this disaster scenario, immediately call 15 (Samu) at the first sign.
In any case , treat someone with these symptoms (without thinking of Dr. Shepherd) in the shade or in a cool place. Then, no prudishness: take off her clothes, sprinkle her with fresh water and fan her face.
Good habits to adopt
- Stop the physical activity. Clearly, no jogging, do-it-yourself, or even gardening.
- We stop playing beauty Cannes with our smoked glasses. Shady sidewalks are better.
- Dress-code level, we avoid the red or black dresses. They will make us the ideal prey of the sun.
- A good thing to bite our American friends: the shower at any time. In the morning, at midday, before tasting ... As soon as you feel a little moist, dirty or scarlet, do not hesitate. Be careful not to abuse the amount of water used.
- The bad plan of summer: whistle pastagas on the terrace. In the heat, we focus on non-alcoholic and refreshing drinks such as mineral water or fruit juice. A good way to avoid the dreaded dehydration of vacationers.
- Finally, rather than being swimming, we go swimming!
How to minimize the impacts of heat at home?
Every year, many are the victims of the heat to lose their lives in their own homes. Because you should know that when the outside temperature is 21 degrees, it is 4 or 5 degrees more in apartment.
"It's too hot at home": an air of déjà-vu by more than twenty-five degrees in the shade ... To overcome there is nothing more simple than:
- Keep blinds and shutters closed as long as the hood persists.
- Air out the parts as soon as it starts to cool.
- Go "soft" with TV and other PCs, big heat generators.
- Get foggers or fans: classic but terribly efficient.
"I do not have shutters in my windows": no panic. Ditto for students and other poets accursed living a dovecote of 10 m2 under the roofs. Armed with solar, we leave to roam on the side of places air-conditioned during the day and join the useful to the pleasant (department stores, shaded terraces that spread foggers ...). Other options: going to the pool, going to the movies, or using smoothies with crushed ice.
"And how do I install my air conditioner?" : back from Darty and already helpless? Everything is fine ! If our bike is a one-piece mobile single-bladed fan, it is imperative to have an outward outlet for the hot air discharge pipe. (For both ducts, plan for one more exit). Then set the device to 25 degrees (to avoid thermal shocks too violent with the outside, American air conditioning generalized way).
"My mini is not air conditioned!" : and it feels like a polar bear in an equatorial greenhouse. Quick, we roll at night , it's relaxing and romantic. To check: the oil level, coolant and brakes, but also the battery.
Children, seniors ... populations at risk in the face of heat
- Seniors
Not everyone has grandparents who live in refrigerated villas in the forest of Le Touquet. Since 2003, city dwellers have been particularly affected each summer.
We therefore do not hesitate to visit the people who are dear to us, shop them and take the opportunity at the same time to tighten family ties.
- Infants and children under four
Particularly vulnerable category. The total-look holiday colony is de rigueur: white cap, sunglasses, total screen ... For a newborn, you have to start worrying if he is cranky, feverish and red.
- People taking medication
To watch out for, especially if it's been a long time since they've visited their doctor. Asthmatics and heart patients are also very fragile.
Useful information
Canicule Info Service: 0 800 06 66 66
Weather France: 01 77 94 77 94
meteofrance.com
sante.gouv.fr
