Table 13.2 Brief, easily understandable advice for the elderly
Suggestions and important messages for the general public in the event of heatwave alerts
Use wet bandages and cool your feet in lukewarm
water
Wear loose garments of light colour and natural
materials. If you go out in the sun, wear a
large-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Drink liquids regularly. Do not drink beverages
with alcohol or high sugar content
During hydration, it is important to
replenish lost salt and to avoid water
intoxication. Caffeine acts as a diuretic
If you take medications regularly, ask your doctor
about the effect of your medications on your
internal fl uid balance
People with elevated body temperatures
require special attention
Monitor your body temperature
It is important to realise that body
temperatures above 38 °C are detrimental
to one’s health. Heat strokes can occur at
body temperatures exceeding 39 °C. Body
temperatures above 40 °C present a
life-threatening situation
Keep your medications at the appropriate
temperature
If room temperature exceeds 25 °C,
medications should be kept refrigerated,
even if their boxes do not say so
Contact your doctor if you suffer from a chronic
illness or if you take several different
medications. If you experience unusual
symptoms, contact your doctor immediately
Inform yourself about the forms of assistance
available
Table 13.1 (continued)
Suggestions and important messages for the general public in the event of heatwave alerts
Use wet bandages and cool your feet in lukewarm
water
Wear loose garments of light colour and natural
materials. If you go out in the sun, wear a
large-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Drink liquids regularly. Do not drink beverages
with alcohol or high sugar content
During hydration, it is important to
replenish lost salt and to avoid water
intoxication. Caffeine acts as a diuretic
If you take medications regularly, ask your doctor
about the effect of your medications on your
internal fl uid balance
People with elevated body temperatures
require special attention
Monitor your body temperature
It is important to realise that body
temperatures above 38 °C are detrimental
to one’s health. Heat strokes can occur at
body temperatures exceeding 39 °C. Body
temperatures above 40 °C present a
life-threatening situation
Keep your medications at the appropriate
temperature
If room temperature exceeds 25 °C,
medications should be kept refrigerated,
even if their boxes do not say so
Contact your doctor if you suffer from a chronic
illness or if you take several different
medications. If you experience unusual
symptoms, contact your doctor immediately
Inform yourself about the forms of assistance
available
Table 13.1 (continued)