Translated with AI
Heat is more than just discomfort: high temperatures pose health risks, claim lives, cause suffering and put a strain on health systems around the world. The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with heat and simple precautions that can help protect health during the summer months, the UN press service reports.
The WHO Regional Director for Europe has already called the climate crisis and extreme weather a public health emergency in 2023. Last year, the UN Secretary-General issued a Call to Action on Extreme Heat. It is about the need for robust strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
Who is at risk?
The human body has an amazing ability to thermoregulate, maintaining a body temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius. When the external temperature rises, the body cools down through sweating and evaporation of moisture. However, with prolonged exposure to heat, this system can fail, leading to poor health, decreased mental well-being and, ultimately, serious health problems.
Although heat can affect anyone, its impact varies across population groups. Older people have a lower tolerance for heat because their ability to thermoregulate is reduced. Infants and young children have an underdeveloped ability to thermoregulate. Outdoor workers, such as those in agriculture, construction, and emergency services (including firefighters), face heat as an occupational hazard.
In addition, heat aggravates chronic diseases. People with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and those taking certain medications are especially vulnerable. Pregnant women are also at increased risk – heat can cause premature birth and low birth weight.
How to protect yourself: #KeepYourHeadCool
In response to this threat, the WHO/Europe #KeepCool campaign offers simple and practical advice on how to protect yourself in hot weather. The health effects of heat are largely preventable through good public health practices and affordable measures:
• Avoid heat. Avoid going outside or doing physical work during the hottest part of the day. If you are at risk, take advantage of opportunities such as morning and evening shopping hours. Stay in the shade, do not leave children or animals in parked cars. If possible, spend 2-3 hours in a cool room.
• Cool your home. Use the cool night air to ventilate. During the day, lower blinds or close shutters, and turn off electrical appliances to reduce internal heat.
• Cool your body and stay hydrated. Wear light, loose clothing, use light bedding, take cool showers or baths, and drink water regularly. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks.
• Stay connected. Keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone. Vulnerable people may need help on hot days. If you know someone at risk, help them get information and support.
Heat Health Action Plans
Beyond individual measures, a systemic approach is needed. WHO recommends that countries, regions and cities develop and implement heat-related action plans to prevent and reduce health risks.
Such plans bring together different sectors to better manage heat-related threats. They define the responsibilities of different services, integrate early warning systems, identify vulnerable groups, and build communication and response mechanisms. WHO/Europe is updating guidance on developing such plans to support Member States.
Summer heatwaves are no longer just a seasonal phenomenon – they are a major public health issue, exacerbated by climate change. As part of the #KeepYourHeadInTheCold campaign, WHO/Europe reminds us that only active individual and collective action can protect health in the face of global warming. By understanding the risks, changing our behaviour and caring for each other, we can stay healthy and make summer a time of joy, not danger.
