The Ministry of Health has issued a list of recommendations after Findel weather service announced the advent of an intense heat wave hitting the Grand Duchy this week.
The Ministry of Health has reminded the public that exposure to such high temperatures can cause health problems, especially for certain vulnerable people including infants, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses such as heart and kidney diseases and mental illness. The Ministry has therefore advised Luxembourg's population to take some necessary precautions:
- Drink small amounts, preferably of water, regularly (2-4 times per hour) even before you start to feel thirsty, and try to drink at least 1.5 litres a day. Limit your consumption of coffee/tea and drinks rich in sugar and caffeine which can have diuretic effects, and opt instead for still or sparkling, lightly sweetened beverages such as juice half diluted with water; slightly sweetened teas (1 sugar per cup); flavoured water (1 tablespoon of syrup in one glass of water); low-fat vegetable broth.
- Eat normally; if you don't feel hungry, split meals. Eat fruits, vegetables and salads every day to replenish the body with minerals.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest hours. If you do have to go out, stay in the shade as much as possible and cover your head
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, preferbaly in cotton or linen materials.
- Avoid intense physical exercise and sports activities during the hottest hours.
- Keep external doors and windows closed when the outside temperature exceeds the indoor temperature and use shutters and blinds to protect the house against sun rays; make use of the cooler temperatures in the morning, evening or night to ventilate your home with.
- If you have a member of your family or neighbour who is in a fragile condition, offer to visit them at least once a day during a severe heat wave to help them adequately hydrate. Older people tend to feel less thirsty and usually do not notice when dehydration sets in.
The Ministry of Health has also offered a heatwave plan to people aged 75+; those living alone or caring for a vulnerable person; and those with no external help. The plan allows those in need to register and receive monitoring visits and help in keeping hydrated in the heat.
The registration form can be found at the websites for the Ministry of Health: www.sante.lu and the Croix-Rouge Luxembourgeoise www.croix-rouge.lu, or be requested on 2755 on the central telephone line of the Croix-Rouge.
