With six spikes, this heat wave can be better tolerated

All of Austria moans in the heat wave. The Red Cross Chief Medical Officer, Wolfgang Schreiber, and Karlheinz Kornhäusl of the Austrian Medical Association give tips to make the heat bearable.

Drinking: We are thirsty only when our body has already lost a lot of fluid. Therefore, healthy people should drink two to three liters in very hot weather. Ideal are fresh water, unsweetened teas or diluted fruit juices. The doctor Kornhäusl explains that it is also possible to ingest too much fluid: "The size, metabolism, kidney function and many other factors play a role," says the medical representative. "Especially in patients with heart failure, the amount of drink has a significant impact on discomfort, the heart is loaded and the retention of water, what is called the" 39, edema favored. "

Gentle Refreshment: Spray face, arm, lower legs and feet with a spray bottle. Especially for the elderly, a good cooling – they sweat less than the younger ones, thanks to which their body temperature is not properly regulated. Refreshments also provide cold compresses and footbaths.

Preventing Heat: To keep warm, close curtains, blinds and shutters during the day. Ventilate well in the morning and evening and ideally leave the windows open at night. Even freshly laundered linen in the apartment can provide cooling, because when it dries the water evaporates. If all else does not help you, go to the cinema, the mall or other air-conditioned place. A few hours of cooling relieve the body considerably.

Morning Activity: Use the cool hours of the morning and evening for sports or shopping.

Hot shower: The warm water opens the pores and the body releases heat better. The cold water only sweats even more, because the blood vessels contract and the heat escapes worse.

Too Unhealthy: Sunstroke or heat stroke are mainly caused by headaches, dizziness, nausea, slackness, dry mouth or cramps in the arms or legs. A cool environment, drinking water while sitting and refreshing with wet towels on the forehead and upper body. If after a short time no improvement occurs, you should call the rescue. When the sun hits the parked vehicle, temperatures can reach 70 degrees in minutes. It's life threatening in no time.

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