As the temperatures aroud the Grand Duchy have continued to climb well past 30C, Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has issued a series of guidelines on how to cope with the hot days; they have stressed that exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems.
The Meteorological Service at Findel has announced high temperatures for several days. The Ministry of Health has issued advice across a number of different areas, as follows:
In order to keep one's home fresh/cool, close the blinds and curtains for windows exposed to the sun, and keep doors and windows closed as outside temperature exceedss indoor temperatures; ventilate your home in the early morning, late evening or night.
For one's personal health, avoid being outside during the hottest hours; stay inside your home in the cooler parts; if the temperature in your home is too hot, spend at least 2-3 hours of the day in a cool or air-conditioned place (supermarket, cinema, ...), and take showers or partial baths (bathe feet or hands) to refresh your body.
If you do go outside, remain in the shade, wear light and loose clothing - preferably cotton or linen; cover your head; drink small amounts regularly (2-4 times per hour) without waiting to be thirsty - at least 1.5 litres of water rich in minerals daily; mineral water or sparkling water is best as spring water (bottled or tap) could possibly contain less minerals. In addition, you can consume slightly sweetened beverages, e.g. juice half diluted with water, slightly sweet infusions (1 portion of sugar per cup), or vegetable broth: avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks high in sugar, as these drinks have a diuretic effect. Eat normally; if you lose your appetite, split meals; daily consume fruit, raw vegetables, salad, vegetables to recharge your body with mineral salts.
For those who are sick or elderly or you live alone, ask someone to pass by and see you regularly. For those aged 75+, they can register on a Heatvave Plan (http://bit.ly/2cjfv66) for visits to ensure hydration and monitoring.
