Protect yourself from extreme humidity and high temperatures

Diet

Older people may not feel the need to drink water and for this reason they should be encouraged to take adequate amounts of water, preferably at room temperature and non-carbonated. The diet should be light with easily digestible food. Fruit and vegetables and small meals must be preferred.

Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration, so adults must drink about 1.5 litres of water per day, except if they suffer from particular diseases. Special attention should be paid to children and especially to infants who are not able to speak and express their need for drinking.

Outdoors

It is not recommended to leave the house during the hottest hours, better doing it in the early morning or in the late afternoon, wearing light clothes and products with natural fabrics like cotton and linen; if you go under the sun, put a hat on your head. Use fans and air conditioning systems in moderation.

Air Conditioning

Avoid direct exposure to the airstreams of fans and air conditioners. These must be programmed favouring the dry mode and the temperature reached must always be only slightly lower than the temperature outside. It can be useful to have more than one shower during the day to get relief from hot weather.

In the car

It is advisable not to enter your car and use the full power of the air conditioner immediately: it is better to wait a few minutes so that the interior reaches a comfortable temperature but not too low. Direct exposure to fans and air conditioners can cause respiratory infection or musculoskeletal pain.