How to protect yourself from the heat
A red, the highest, danger level due to heat has been announced for Sunday and Monday in the country. Up to +39°C is expected in Brest region, up to +35°C in Minsk.
Photo: Christophe Ena / AP
The "Minsk Medicine" Telegram channel provides several tips.
The basis of your diet is water: drink regular still or mineral water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Beverage temperature: the liquid should be at room temperature or slightly chilled. Iced water is absorbed slower and increases sweating.
Useful alternatives: fruit drink (mors), diluted juices, kefir, or hot green tea.
Strict taboos: avoid alcohol (it dehydrates severely), drinks with high caffeine content, and sugary sodas.
Light menu: switch to fresh vegetables, fruits, and cold soups. Hot, fatty, and protein-rich foods create an additional thermal load on the body.
Correct clothing: wear loose clothes in light colors made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen) and always wear a head covering.
Safe cooling: set the air conditioner to 23—25 degrees. Too low a temperature (below 18 degrees) threatens colds and vascular spasms when going outside.
Help without air conditioning: take a cool shower or place a damp towel on your neck. Direct a fan towards a container with cold water or ice.
Swimming rules: enter reservoirs gradually. A sudden jump into cold water after heat can provoke a dangerous vascular spasm or respiratory arrest.
People with heart diseases and hypertension: regularly measure blood pressure and strictly follow your medication schedule. In consultation with a cardiologist, potassium and magnesium supplements may be needed.
In the elderly and children: thermoregulation mechanisms work weaker.
"Tropical nights" (when the temperature at night does not drop below +20 °C) are especially dangerous, as the body does not have time to recover during sleep.
People with overweight and diabetes: you need more frequent rest in the shade and strict control of sugar levels and the amount of water consumed.
Symptoms of heatstroke (when help is needed):
— immediately move to the shade or a cool room and call 103:
— severe headache and blurred vision.
— nausea, vomiting, sudden weakness.
— rapid pulse and reddening of the skin.
— dizziness or loss of consciousness.