Europe is currently awash with a sea of red, showcasing an expanse of scorching temperatures. This week alone, Italy is bracing for highs of over 40 degrees. The Adriatic Sea has also seen unprecedented highs, notably in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where the water temperature has hit 30 degrees. Due to the inordinate heat, Serbia reports record energy usage, attributed to the extensive use of air conditioners.
With our planet’s temperature ascending, it’s critical for the Irish – notorious for their light complexion and minimal melanin (a natural skin shield against UV rays) – to comprehend the dangers of venturing into hotter climates.
The immediate reflection when contemplating sun protection is usually skin cancer. However, it’s vital to remember the more immediate risks. A poignant illustration here is the recent passing of UK TV celebrity, Dr Michael Mosley in Symi, Greece, believed to have suffered heatstroke after collapsing during a 40-degree hike.
Similar situations occur closer to home in Ireland. As per a recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute, warmer conditions considerably escalate hospital admissions due to temperature-linked illnesses. The report defined ‘hot days’ as those ranging between 22-25 degrees, substantially cooler than what Europe is currently experiencing. This report also highlights predictions that in the worst-case scenario concerning climate change, there could be an annual increase of 1,400 deaths in Ireland by the 21st century’s conclusion.
As a response to the soaring temperatures across Europe, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) recently issued advice to people planning to travel to Southern and Eastern Europe. The HPSC was keen to highlight the importance of keeping ahead of the local weather forecasts as well as abiding by the local health alerts. Further, they urged travellers to pay particular attention to those most susceptible in their party, such as infants and the elderly, to safeguard them against the intense heat.
With southern Europe including Spain, Croatia and Italy experiencing a searing heatwave, authorities have highlighted the importance of staying well-hydrated. However, it was cautioned that extreme insobriety and heavy caffeine consumption should be avoided as they both can intensify dehydration. They also recommended staying in the shade during peak daytime temperatures.
It’s advised to limit exertion to the cooler times of the day such as dawn or dusk. One should also keep interiors cool by drawing blinds or curtains to obstruct the penetrating sunlight. On cooler occasions, it’s encouraged to allow fresh air in by opening the windows.
Medical Assistant Director at the Irish College of General Practitioners, Dr. Suzanne Kelly, emphasised that our bodies strain more to cope in extremely hot conditions. She warned that existing conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes can deteriorate under these circumstances, underscoring the physiological impact.
For generally healthy individuals, the extreme heat can cause signs of discomfort like dehydration and confusion. Dr. Kelly revealed that extreme heat can impair cognitive functions, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
According to Prof. Rose Anne Kenny, a geriatrician, the elderly are especially susceptible to the devastating impacts of extreme heat. The reason for this lies in ageing-related changes in the nervous system affecting thermal regulation, making their reaction to cold and hot weather more severe.
Dr. Kelly pointed out that other vulnerable sections of society include pregnant individuals and young children who are at greater risk from heat stress. With babies in prams, she cautioned against using blankets to shield them from the sun as it can actually escalate the pram’s temperature. She suggested using a damp blanket instead. Pregnant women, due to their bodies being under added stress, are also at a high risk during a heatwave.
A study reveals that temperatures crossing 30 degrees are predicted to become more frequent in Ireland.
In Ireland, it’s common to hear debates on the need for increased vitamin D consumption. Nonetheless, Dr. Kelly warns against using this as an excuse for unprotected sunbathing, highlighting that the disadvantages of prolonged sunlight exposure beyond the benefits of vitamin D.
“A quarter of an hour forearm exposure to the sun is sufficient for adequate vitamin D intake. From April to October, most people are likely to have adequate levels unless they’re constantly slathered in strong sunblock all around the year.”, suggests Dr. Kelly.
He advises that daily sun exposure isn’t necessary as many dairy products are now enriched with vitamin D and supplements are easily available should you feel deficient.
Alongside the potential pitfalls of sunbathing, warmer climate can pose a number of environmental hazards, including an increase in wildfires with high temperatures and low rainfall. These natural disasters not only pose a direct threat but also significantly contribute to air pollution, according to Prof. Debbi Stanistreet, who heads the department of public health and epidemiology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“Heat exacerbates air pollution causing a rising static air pressure, making respiratory conditions even more severe.”, Prof. Stanistreet explains.
She emphasises the importance of staying hydrated during high temperatures, pointing out that reducing alcohol consumption can help avoid dehydration.
“Numerous people on all-inclusive holidays are enticed to drink more to get their money’s worth, increasing their risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”, she cautions.
Here are five recommendations for bearing a heatwave on holiday:
1. Avoid the sun during the peak heat hours, usually between noon and 3pm. There can be a noticeable 15-degree difference in the shade.
2. Wear relaxed clothing and use high-factor sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Loose outfits enable a cooling air flow against your body.
3. A common misconception is that opening windows during the day helps to lower the temperature of a room. However, this is counterproductive if the external temperature is soaring above the indoor temperature. Under such circumstances, it’s advisable to keep the windows and doors tightly shut and bring down the blinds to maintain a cooler environment inside.
4. Usually, individuals are advised to consume around 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily. Nevertheless, hotter weather may necessitate a doubling of this water intake, as advised by medical professionals. It’s important to understand that beverages such as alcohol and coffee shouldn’t count towards this intake, as these substances tend to act as diuretics, stimulating water loss from the body.
5. If heat discomfort is proving problematic, the use of a cool compress or towel is a viable option. Such measures can assist in keeping the body’s temperature under control.