With these days’ high temperatures it has become necessary to observe a few simple rules to enjoy your holidays to the fullest, without taking any unpleasant risks.
Nutrition. Elderly people may not feel the need to drink liquids, so they should be encouraged to take adequate amounts of water, preferably at room temperature and non-carbonated. The diet should be light with easily digestible foods. Fruits and vegetables and small meals should be favoured. Not drinking enough leads to dehydration, so adults should take about one and a half litres of water a day, with specific distinctions in the case of patients suffering from particular pathologies. Special attention should also be paid to children, especially infants, who cannot express their need to drink.
Outdoors. It is not advisable to leave the house during the hottest hours, it is better to do so early in the morning or late in the afternoon, wearing light clothes made from natural fabrics such as cotton and linen; if you expose yourself to the sun, cover your head with a hat. Use fans and air-conditioning systems in moderation.
Air conditioning. Avoid direct impact with air flows produced by fans and air conditioners. The latter must be programmed favouring the dehumidifying function and, in any case, favouring temperature only slightly lower than the outside environment.
In the car. It is desirable not to enter the passenger compartment of one’s car and immediately use the air conditioning at its maximum. Direct exposure to fans and air conditioners can cause airway infections or osteo-muscular pain.