Ministry of Health hot weather warning: one should not go out between 10.00-16.00

Ministry of Health General Director of Public Health Erdoğan Öz, drawing attention to the scale of the threats created by climate change globally, emphasized that this situation is no longer just an environmental problem but has become a serious risk directly affecting public health. In the statement made, the measures to be taken in order for the temperatures, which are above the seasonal averages especially in the summer months, not to negatively affect the health of the citizens were discussed. The importance of awareness against health problems such as sunstroke, heat crisis, and dehydration that may arise due to temperature increases was emphasized. It was stated that rather than the young age group, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases are priorities within this risk group.

General Director Erdoğan Öz, in his detailed assessment regarding the issue, explained the physiological effects of air temperatures on the human body and how to minimize them, stating that the most critical measure is to avoid being outside during hot hours. It was stated that it is of vital importance that citizens stay in shaded areas or indoors, especially between 10.00 and 16.00, when the sun's rays are perpendicular and the temperature reaches its peak. It was learned that heavy physical activities or walks to be done during this time period could rapidly increase body temperature and lead to health dangers, and therefore one should not go out unless necessary. In addition, it was noted that in regions where the heat is effective throughout the day, evening or night hours coinciding with the cool hours of the day should be preferred for outdoor activities.

In the statements emphasizing the vital role of fluid consumption for balancing body temperature, it was reminded that beverages such as mineral water or fruit juice should be consumed to replace lost minerals as well as water. It was specifically warned that beverages with high caffeine and sugar content could cause more fluid to be excreted from the body and therefore should not be preferred. In addition, it was stated that eating habits should also be changed in hot weather, and that consuming foods that are easier to digest, vegetable-based and light, instead of fatty and heavy meals, would not tire the metabolism. While it was recommended that foods containing high water content, such as salads or fruits, should take more place at the table, it was stated that adhering to the principle of eating small and frequent meals would reduce the burden on the stomach.

It was requested that simple but effective protective measures such as wearing a hat to avoid exposing the head to direct sunlight and using sunglasses to protect eye health should not be forgotten. It was stated that individuals with fair and sensitive skin should apply creams with high protection factors to protect themselves from the harmful UV rays of the sun and renew them at certain intervals. In addition, it was stated that preferring cotton, linen, light-colored, and loose clothing that does not sweat, instead of dark-colored, tight-fitting, and synthetic clothes that could create a heat-retaining effect in the body, would reduce the risk of heatstroke. It was added that the use of accessories such as umbrellas or hats to cover the hands and head would also help balance the heat.

It was conveyed that these warnings made by the General Directorate of Public Health aim not only to protect individual health but also to prevent a possible increase due to the heat wave and to prevent health systems from being overloaded unnecessarily. It was reported that heat-related health problems can be minimized if citizens follow meteorological warnings closely and comply with the recommendations shared by official institutions. A call was made to increase social awareness about not staying outside unnecessarily and especially not taking children, the elderly, and chronic patients out during these hours.