As summer arrives earlier than usual this year, extreme heat waves persist across regions. According to meteorological authorities, heat wave warnings have been issued nationwide as of mid-July, with summer heat beginning earlier than average. Consequently, heat-related illness cases are increasing, necessitating systematic health management.
Understanding Types and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
Preventing heat wave health damage requires accurate knowledge of heat-related illness types and symptoms. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Heat cramps occur due to electrolyte imbalance from excessive sweating in high-temperature environments, primarily causing muscle cramps. Heat syncope results from temporary consciousness loss as blood vessel dilation for temperature regulation reduces brain blood flow.
Heat exhaustion involves severe dehydration and electrolyte loss, with body temperature rising to 37-40°C, accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Most dangerous is heat stroke, where temperature regulation completely fails, body temperature exceeds 40°C, and consciousness disorders create emergency situations.
Daily Life Heat Wave Coping Strategies
Basic principles for healthy heat wave survival include adequate hydration, appropriate rest, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Water should be consumed before feeling thirsty, with regular intake of at least 8 glasses daily. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they promote dehydration.
When outdoors, use parasols or hats and wear loose, light-colored clothing to prevent body temperature increases. Peak heat hours from 11 AM to 3 PM should be avoided for outdoor activities, with frequent rest in shaded areas when necessary.
Indoors, maintain temperature at 26-28°C through appropriate cooling and ventilation. When using only fans, ensure indoor temperature doesn't exceed 32°C, with cool towels applied to neck or wrists as needed.
Customized Management for Vulnerable Groups
Children, elderly, and chronic disease patients require especially careful management due to heat wave vulnerability. Children have inferior temperature regulation abilities compared to adults and experience rapid dehydration, requiring special guardian attention. Never leave children alone in vehicles, and ensure 30-minute shade breaks during outdoor activities.
Adults over 65 experience reduced thirst sensation and kidney function, increasing dehydration risks. Without air conditioning, utilize cooling centers during daytime, with family or neighbors checking welfare 2-3 times daily.
Chronic disease patients with diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular conditions may experience condition deterioration from dehydration, requiring individualized management consultation with physicians. Particularly, patients taking diuretics or blood pressure medications should never discontinue without medical consultation.
Proper Emergency Response
When heat-related illness symptoms appear, swift and appropriate emergency care can determine life outcomes. First, move patients to cool areas and loosen clothing to reduce body temperature. For conscious patients, provide small, frequent water or electrolyte drink consumption, but never give fluids to unconscious or vomiting patients.
To reduce body temperature, apply cold towels or ice packs to major blood vessel areas including neck, armpits, and groin. However, rapid temperature reduction can be dangerous, requiring gradual cooling.
Symptoms including consciousness deterioration, high fever (above 40°C), persistent vomiting, or convulsions require immediate 119 calls and hospital transport. Heat stroke particularly increases brain damage risk over time, making golden time crucial.
Living Environment Improvement
Reducing heat wave damage requires individual efforts alongside living environment improvements. Government and local authorities expand cooling center operations while providing cooling cost support and visiting health management services for vulnerable populations.
Workplaces need shade installation for outdoor workers, adequate rest periods, and cool beverage provision. Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat outdoor work represents important prevention.
Homes can reduce indoor temperature increases through insulation reinforcement, awning installation, and green curtain creation. Regular air conditioning filter cleaning and maintenance improve cooling efficiency.
Long-term Heat Wave Preparation Strategy
Beyond this summer, long-term fitness management for heat wave preparation remains important. Regular exercise builds basic fitness, but during heat waves, reduce exercise intensity and adjust timing. Early morning or late evening hours are preferable.
Nutritionally, consume vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables while avoiding greasy, spicy, or salty foods. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes help hydration.
Regular health checkups for early chronic disease detection and management represent important heat wave preparation elements. Cardiovascular or kidney disease patients may experience symptom deterioration during heat waves, requiring specialist consultation for individualized management planning.
Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/health/2025-summer-heatwave-health-guide-prevention-emergency
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