Vocational School of Justice
HIGH TEMPERATURES CAUSE ILLNESSES
Turkey will be subject to heat waves throughout the weekend and next week despite the arrival of autumn. Turkish State Meteorological Service forecasts that temperatures will be about 6 to 10 degrees above seasonal averages, and due to extreme difference between day and night temperatures, health problems may be an issue, stated the experts.
Asst. Prof. Huriye Vural, Lecturer at Vocational School of Health Services, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), stated that changes in weather conditions weakened the immune system and caused illnesses. She said that Turkey experienced seasonal transitions intensely; therefore, necessary precautions had to be taken to strengthen the immune system.
Vural said, “The immune system gets affected by this and increases the risk of both physical and mental illnesses”. Vural, who pointed that many people got sick especially during the time of seasonal transitions, said that children, old people, expectant mothers, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma were more vulnerable to illnesses during this period.
Vural reported that some people complained about sleep disorders, weakness, tiredness, and depressive moods more during seasonal changes, and the risk of catching contagious diseases, respiratory and circulatory system diseases increased. “Cold and flu are the most common respiratory system diseases. Weight gain is also experienced during this time,” pointed Vural.
‘Do not reuse tissues’
Vural, who pointed out the importance of indoor temperature in order to prevent illnesses, suggested the following:
“Make sure the indoor temperature is within regular limits. Dress accordingly. Try not to sweat too much. Wash hands frequently to avoid infections. Stay away from crowded indoors, especially places with poor ventilation. Do not reuse tissues, handkerchiefs, and discard them immediately. Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of liquids. Follow a consistent sleep routine.”