Health services issue heat warning

By Rafaella Georgiou

The health ministry on Thursday issued warnings ahead of the over-40C temperatures expected over the next few days, saying some people could be a risk from heat exhaustion or heat strokes.

Symptoms for heat exhaustion include weakness, pallor, headache, dizziness; cramps in the legs and abdomen, rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing as well as fainting.

Symptoms of a heart stroke are much more severe including fever, breathing difficulties, fainting and even coma. Anyone experiencing early symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, the ministry said.

The medical services advise members of the public to avoid exposure to the sun, heavy physical exercise, crowded places and consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy foods.

Instead they suggest wearing hats, sunglasses and light-coloured clothing, consume  light meals and drink lots of water. For the more vulnerable population groups they suggest taking showers and using air conditioning or other air cooling appliances.

The services also advise special attention to be paid to vulnerable population groups such as infants, elderly, pregnant women, overweight people, heart patients, diabetics and people experiencing respiratory problems or renal failure.

The Municipality of Nicosia said its Multipurpose Centre would open from 7.30am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, providing an air-conditioned space and drinks for all those in need. The Multipurpose Centre is situated in Avenue Nikiforos Fokas 40, 1016 Nicosia (near Famagusta Gate) 22797850.

 

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