Life-threatening temperatures are sweeping southern and western Europe

Life-threatening temperatures ravage southern and western Europe

In an unusual scene, European countries are exposed to a record heat wave that threatens daily life and affects public health, food security, and the safety of infrastructure. In France - for example - strong warnings were issued due to the sharp rise in temperatures, amid expectations that the wave will continue for days to come.

These warnings extended to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and a number ofBalkan countries (it is the region located in southeastern Europe, and includes countries such as Greece, Serbia, and Croatia); Today, the temperature in some European cities exceeded 46 degrees Celsius. Which caused the closure of more than 200 schools in France - for example - where forest fires broke out and forced the authorities to evacuate entire areas.

Therefore,Earth Guardsin this report reviews the extent of the impact of severe heat waves on human health and the environment, and highlights ways of prevention, and the role of governments and societies in adapting to the challenges of extreme weather, in light of the rising temperature now.

Heat wave or health risk?

Today’s high temperature does not just cause summer discomfort, but rather poses a real threat to public health, especially for the most vulnerable groups. When the body temperature rises, the blood vessels expand; Then blood pressure decreases, the heart becomes disturbed, and the human body loses the salts and fluids it needs. He then shows signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea.

The matter does not stop at minor symptoms; The continued loss of balance between salts and fluids may lead to a sharp drop in pressure. Which increases the possibility of heart attacks, and therefore - with the volatile weather - preventive measures are no longer an option, but rather an urgent necessity.

Awareness of the dangers of continuous exposure to heat - especially during peak hours between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon - is a vital element in protecting lives. Therefore, data indicate that the elderly and those with chronic diseases are the most affected. Because of their weak ability to adapt to sudden temperature changes.

The increasing warnings issued by meteorological centers in various European capitals confirm that climate change is no longer a future event, but rather a daily reality. In this context, there is a need to strengthen health infrastructure and adopt urban planning that takes into account good climate conditions.

Why does the body react to temperatures?

A simple question, but it carries within it complex biological mechanisms. Because the human body is programmed to maintain a constant temperature of approximately 37.5 degrees Celsius, and when the temperature in the atmosphere rises, the body begins to secrete sweat, and then the blood vessels expand until the excess heat is expelled from the human body, but these defense mechanisms may fail in light of extreme heat.

When the body fails to get rid of excess heat, a series of reactions begins, which begin with heat exhaustion and may end with heat stroke. It is a medical emergency that may be life-threatening. The risk increases for those with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney failure. Because their bodies are weaker at adapting to heat stress.

How do we protect ourselves during peak times?

With the temperature expected to reach high levels on any summer day, prevention becomes an indispensable necessity. Basic procedures include:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid going out during peak hours.
• Use insulating curtains and windows.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Use sunscreen with a high degree of protection.
• Never leave children or the elderly in cars.

Sleeping under the sun that never sets

One of the most difficult challenges in such conditions is sleeping, especially on hot days. Therefore, you should use light covers, or even cool the socks in the refrigerator before sleeping. In order to reduce body temperature. It is also preferable to shower with lukewarm water before bed, and reduce caffeine and heavy meals at night.

As for homes that do not have air conditioning, simple, inexpensive methods can be used, such as covering the window with a wet towel; In order to cool the incoming air, or sleep in the basement where the temperature is lower.

When medications turn into a summer danger

In light of high temperatures, some medications may become a contributing factor to dehydration or disruption of body functions. Among the most dangerous of these medications: diuretics, which cause the body to lose fluids and salts, and are widely used by patients with heart and blood pressure.

Some medications for epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease (a neurological disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, and muscle stiffness) prevent sweating. Which limits the body's ability to cool itself. As for blood pressure medications, they may cause a severe drop in blood pressure if they are accompanied by thermal expansion of the vessels.

In this context, it is important to educate patients about this information, especially the elderly who may not associate symptoms with temperature. Dizziness or fatigue may seem like a normal symptom, but it is a danger indicator that must be dealt with immediately.

Heatstroke could cost life

Maybe many people do not realize that today’s temperature could be deadly; According to reports, about 2,000 deaths are recorded annually in England alone. Because of heat waves, most of these waves cause heart attacks or strokes resulting from heat exhaustion.

Hence, the role of the media and civil society becomes essential in conveying warnings and disseminating simple solutions with great impact, especially among vulnerable groups. This achieves the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has a good impact on the entire society.

From the above,Earth Guards confirms that rising temperatures are an environmental and health challenge that requires collective awareness and an immediate response, and that what is happening today in Europe is a stark reminder of the reality of climate change in the rest of the world. Therefore, solidarity between individuals and governments is necessary.