As episodes of extreme heat increase, knowing the right reflexes becomes essential. Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, reminds us of the priority areas to target and the actions to adopt to limit the effects of the heatwave on the body.
Why do some areas of the body cool faster than others?
When a heat wave sets in, the first instinct is often to splash your face with cool water. A pleasant sensation, certainly, but which is not always the most effective in quickly bringing down body temperature.
The reason is physiological. Some areas of the body have blood vessels located very close to the surface of the skin. By cooling them, it becomes possible to act more quickly on the blood circulating in the body.
“To feel less hot, you need to cool the areas where the blood passes close to the skin.explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
These strategic points include the neck, wrists and temples. Other areas can also be targeted: the armpits, the groin, the inside of the elbows or even the back of the knees.
But for the doctor, certain regions remain particularly effective. “That being said, the neck and wrists remain in my opinion the best areas to cool down quickly”underlines the medical director of True Medical.
This simple method achieves an almost immediate cooling effect, particularly valuable when temperatures become difficult to bear.
Simple actions that can really make a difference
Good news: no need for specific equipment to benefit from this refreshing effect. A few very simple actions are enough. It is possible to regularly wet the neck and wrists with cool water, using a shower, a mist or simply a damp glove.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek also recommends another easy-to-implement solution: “Applying a cold towel to the forehead, neck and wrists is also a good idea..
At home, a cool shower can also provide appreciable relief when the heat becomes oppressive. And when temperatures reach particularly high levels, the doctor advises repeating the operation frequently. “Wet yourself every five minutes to stay cool“, he recommends.
But external cooling alone is not enough. The body must also be supported from within. Hydration therefore remains one of the most important measures during heatwaves. “Drink water throughout the day, even without feeling thirsty (one glass per hour without effort). On the plate, favor light meals (fruits, vegetables)”recommends the specialist.
These habits may seem harmless. Yet they play a major role in preventing dehydration and heat exhaustion.
When the heat becomes dangerous: the signs that should alert you
When the heatwave sets in for several days in a row, cooling strategies must be reinforced. Specialists recommend in particular ventilating the home early in the morning, before outside temperatures rise, then keeping shutters and curtains closed during the hottest hours. In the evening, when the air cools, opening the windows allows the heat accumulated in the home to escape.
If, despite these precautions, the interior remains stuffy, it may be useful to spend a few hours in an air-conditioned place, such as a library, cinema, shopping center or supermarket.
Conversely, certain habits should be avoided: physical exertion between noon and 4 p.m., dark and tight clothing which encourages the accumulation of heat, as well as alcohol, very sugary drinks or caffeine, which can accentuate dehydration.
Because excessive heat is never completely harmless.
Certain events must lead to a rapid response, particularly among the elderly, young children or vulnerable people. Dizziness, intense headaches, severe thirst, unusual weakness or confusion can signal that the body is struggling to cope.
“If you experience dizziness, a severe headache, severe thirst, weakness, or confusion, move to a cooler place immediately and seek medical attention. During heatwaves, you can also contact Canicule Info Service on 0 800 06 66 66 for advice and information.recalls Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
As episodes of extreme heat become more frequent, these simple actions take on new importance. Behind a few wrists passed under cool water or a damp towel placed on the back of the neck, there is sometimes much more than simple comfort: a concrete way of helping your body get through the heatwave in the best possible conditions.