Scorching temperatures in Italy, today red warning in 20 cities for the heat

Still scorching temperatures in Italy . Today, Friday 4 July, there are 20 cities with a red dot , according to the heat wave bulletin of the Ministry of Health: Ancona, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Milan, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Trieste, Venice, Verona and Viterbo.

The red dot indicates level 3, which is the maximum level of emergency conditions (heat wave) with possible negative effects on the health of healthy and active people and not only on risk subgroups such as the elderly, very young children and people with chronic diseases. The longer the heat wave, the greater the expected negative effects on health.

What to do

The Ministry of Health recommends spending the hottest hours of the day in the coolest room of the house, bathing often in cool water. During the hottest hours of the day (between 11 am and 6 pm) you should avoid intense physical activity outdoors and exposure to heat and direct sunlight since high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related symptoms and burns.

Diet is also important: you should prefer pasta and fish to meat, avoid processed and spicy foods and consume lots of vegetables and fresh fruit. And then it is important to drink liquids, moderating the intake of carbonated or sugary drinks, tea and coffee. The Ministry of Health advises against very cold drinks and alcoholic beverages.

The Ministry of Health recommends using the air conditioner correctly and if you only have a fan, never direct it directly at the body (especially in the case of elderly people who are bedridden and have limited autonomy) and to spend a few hours in an air-conditioned public place, especially during the hottest hours of the day. It is also good to ensure adequate air exchange: natural ventilation determines a better air exchange than mechanical ventilation.

When going out, it is advisable to wear light, light clothing made of natural fibres (for example, cotton and linen), protect your head with a light-coloured hat and use sunglasses. To protect your skin from sunburn, it is important to use sunscreen with a high protection factor.

If the car is not air conditioned it is better to avoid travelling during the hottest hours of the day and in any case it is advisable to carry sufficient supplies of water in case of unexpected queues or lines. Also make sure not to leave non-self-sufficient people, children and the elderly, even for a short time, in the car parked in the sun .

Offer assistance to people at greater risk (for example, elderly people living alone) and report any situations that require intervention to social and health services. In elderly people, a warning sign is a reduction in some daily activities (moving around the house, getting dressed, eating, going to the bathroom regularly, washing) which may indicate a worsening of the state of health. If you experience symptoms of heat-related disorders, it is a good idea to contact a doctor.