Heat Wave: how to (better) support it?

France will face this week in a wave of heat. What are the right steps to take to preserve our health?Up to 40 ° C, and never less than 24! This is what provides Météo France this week, on the whole territory. So come away our most light dresses, our sun hats ... but also our tips for better withstand very high temperatures and spare our health! The Directorate General of Health has indeed reminded on the website of the Ministry that "[our] health is in danger when the outside temperature is higher than the usual temperature in [our] region," which can cause severe fatigue but also "serious and even fatal accidents, such as dehydration or heat stroke."

    Drink a lot of waterFirst reflex when heat: drink water, even if you do not feel thirsty! Indeed, when it's hot, your body perspires more than usual and you may get dehydrated. Do not hesitate to always have your bottle of water handy to drink up to two liters of water a day! Similarly, avoid diuretic drinks (tea, coffee, soda) and alcohol that promotes dehydration.

    Cool offTo lower body temperature, consider wet several times a day, at least the face and forearm. You can also moisten your clothes. On your misters!

    Eat enoughIn warm weather, the appetite can be reduced. This is not a reason to skip a meal because food provides the body plenty of water! Opt for fruits and vegetables that contain lots of water and thus participate in your hydration, while refreshing you!

    Prefer cool placesAvoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day (between 11 and 21h) and try wherever possible to stay several hours in a cool place. To maintain a cooler temperature in your home, remember to close the windows and shutters during the day and open at night. You can also take the opportunity to spend a few hours at the library, cinema, shopping center or museum, because these places are often air-conditioned!

    Limit physical exertionNo sports during a heat wave! Your session jogging, DIY or even gardening wait. You can possibly see during the cooler hours but never in direct sunlight!

    Heatwave and pregnancy: more precautionsThe effects of the heat wave are stronger on pregnant women: Push your water intake to three liters a day and limit your intake of salt promotes water retention. Swap your sandals and tight fitting clothing against your comfortable shoes and loose clothing.

    Let us take care of each otherDuring heat waves, make sure that your loved ones are doing well and also consider giving from you! Those most at risk are the elderly, disabled and mentally frail that are isolated. Encourage them to register on the list of their town so they can receive volunteer assistance during heat waves. If you notice on one of your relatives symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke (dizziness, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting ...) please call 15 and placing the person in a cool place until help arrives. The Health Minister Marisol Touraine has also enabled Marisol Touraine telephone information platform "Heat Wave, accessed 0800 June 66 66 daily, from 9:00 to 19:00 (free call from a landline).For more information, see the ministerial recommendations if heatwave.