Heat Wave Precautions

 In Europe we are having an extreme heat wave with temperatures consistently in the 90’s and 100’s. This is very unusual in our climate. Air conditioning does not exist in homes, so special precautions must be taken. This is especially important for older people.

Here are some guidelines that we received from the city where we live, Geneva, Switzerland.

1. Drink water regularly without waiting to feel thirsty. You should need to urinate as frequently as on a normal day.
2. Dampen your body several times a day, but avoid taking ice cold showers.
3. Wear loose clothing and cover your head if you are outside.
4. Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and spend several hours a day in a cool place such as a movie theater, library, grocery store, museum…
5. Avoid physical effort during the heat of the day, especially between 11am and 3pm.
6. Keep your home cool by closing shutters and windows during the day and opening them during the evening and night.
7. Drink fruit juice and bouillon to compensate for loss of body salt through perspiration.
8. Be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke: high temperature, rapid pulse, headache, cramps, dry mouth, confusion, vertigo, feeling nauseous.

Find out if your town has a “hot line” (no pun intended) during these periods of extreme heat. In our city there is a number to phone if you are living alone and wish to have someone contact you each day to make sure you are all right. Feel free to ask for help.

Bonnie Fatio