2024-05-08 23:08:02
According to doctors, both very high and extremely low air temperatures can disrupt health. This is most relevant for people with chronic diseases and people over 45 years of age.
“The palette of reactions is very wide, because the range of diseases is also large. Looking at it in general, there is an aggravation of chronic diseases,” said Rima Piličiauskienė, head of the Family Medicine Department of the Karoliniški Polyclinic, in the “Experts advise” program of “Žiniai Radio”.
It has been established that the optimal air temperature for the human body is 15-20 degrees.
“But for an elderly person, every degree above 20 affects the body. A greater change in temperature – 10-15 degrees per day – provokes all chronic diseases, such as hypertension, respiratory diseases, general weakness, fatigue, mood swings.
We observe these things, especially in spring and autumn, when there is a sharper temperature fluctuation,” said R. Piličiauskienė.
Joint diseases worsened
After weather changes, residents also seek medical attention for heart rhythm disorders, people with high blood pressure are sensitive.
A separate category is joint diseases. If a person has arthritis, the change in weather causes swelling and pain.
“I noticed this week that this is one of the main chronic diseases for which people seek help,” said the doctor.
She also noticed that when the weather changes, patients come with specific complaints, but they often do not emphasize the weather fluctuations themselves.
The weather also affects emotional well-being. It has been observed that during the heat, people become more irritable.
But there is no verified data that changes in the weather aggravate migraine pains.
Urban dwellers suffer more
“The most interesting thing is that this is one of the newest areas of research. In the past, there was interest in the influence of weather on the human body, but this phenomenon (sudden weather changes, ed.) is quite new and is identified by health organizations as dangerous for human health,” said R. Piličiauskienė.
She explained that in areas where there is more nature, weather changes are not as sudden.
However, in cities there is little vegetation, and buildings and pavements heat up faster.
“That can also affect a person’s well-being”, stated R. Piličiauskienė.
Tip: Adapt to change
According to the doctor, residents do not have time to adapt to sudden changes. When choosing clothes, you should pay attention to the fact that the evening will not be as warm as midday. Therefore, it is worth taking care of warmer clothes in advance.
On the other hand, it is advisable to properly assess the heat of the day: drink plenty of fluids, don’t forget to supplement your body with minerals.
The doctor noticed that people who smoke go outside, but don’t put on extra clothes. This is how many catch a cold.
“If we see that the weather conditions are changing, we should be flexible, able to choose when to go outside, and not forget water. And employers can be flexible, if they see that the weather conditions are extreme, it is possible to provide remote work”, observed R. Piličiauskienė.
She pointed out that modern weather forecasts are detailed and accurate. Before going outside, it is worth assessing not only the air temperature, but also the wind speed and humidity.
“When going to the yard with children, you should also consider solar radiation. If it is hot and sunny, you should avoid being outdoors a lot between 12-3pm, or choose shade. Even though it’s not hot these days, it would still be worth using SPF filters for babies, children and parents themselves,” advised R. Piličiauskienė.
2024-05-08 23:08:02