Experts warn against eating heavy meals in hot weather

Extreme heat is taking its toll across the country. In Trabzon, with the unusually hot weather, those seeking to cool off are flocking to the seaside, parks, gardens, and shaded areas. Experts warn that direct sun exposure, especially at midday, and excessive heat indoors can cause problems with organs such as the heart and kidneys. Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. stated that the rise in air temperatures will continue, affecting the risk groups affected by extreme temperatures and leading to various illnesses. Tevfik Özlü said, “A heat wave is coming. We will experience hot days in Türkiye next week. Heat and heat-related deaths have been reported in Europe for a long time. Babies, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses need to be careful in extreme heat. Overweight individuals, pregnant women, and those with lung, diabetes, kidney, and cardiovascular system diseases are in the risk group. Those who work outdoors, engage in excessive exertion, and athletes may experience health problems. We call this heat stroke. It manifests as feelings of faintness, weakness, and headaches. Blood pressure can drop quickly, pulse can increase, and consciousness can change. If left undetected, it can lead to kidney failure, intravascular clots, kidney and cardiovascular failure.”

'HEAVY MEALS SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED'

Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that individuals at risk should avoid direct sunlight during peak sun exposure, saying, “Temperatures must be managed well. Those in the risk group should be careful. We recommend avoiding exposure to sunlight and unshaded areas between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. They should avoid sitting indoors and consuming heavy, fatty foods and fried foods. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Unless they have a medical condition that prevents fluid intake, they should definitely drink plenty of water. They should avoid mineral water and salted ayran. Using a fan and air conditioner will be beneficial. A patient suspected of heatstroke should be moved to a well-ventilated area, cooled with a wet sheet soaked in icy water, and then called 112 for intervention.”

'ROOM TEMPERATURE SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED SUDDLY'

Professor Dr. Tevfik Özlü emphasized the importance of caution for those in the risk group, saying, “Drinking alcohol in hot weather increases the risk. Some medications can increase the risk of heatstroke. Those at risk should be careful. When in the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella. We often resort to air conditioners and cold water to combat the summer heat. These can cause problems. When cooling your room or car, don't lower the temperature suddenly. Cool gradually and slowly. Don't direct the air conditioner's airflow directly at yourself. Drinking cold water without rest can cause cold-related damage to your throat, and bacteria that settle on it can cause infection.”

'The temperatures came late but were effective'

Mustafa Bektaş, who jogs on the beach, said, "The heat arrived late this year, but it's been effective. I'm running for 15-20 minutes a day. I adjust myself depending on the temperature. I don't approve of running for one or two hours in these temperatures. As the temperature rises, I'll reduce my walking to five minutes."

Serap Tanış, who stated that she prefers recreational areas to cool off, said, "Trabzon is extremely humid and hot. We can't stay home. That's why we throw ourselves on the grass and drink tea."