Expert warns: 'In hot weather, blood vessels...'

Prof. Dr. Öztürk, Head of the Department of Neurology at Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, stated that climate change, defined as a major threat to the 21st century worldwide, is causing temperatures to rise above seasonal norms.

Emphasizing that rising air temperatures are a risk factor for brain and vascular diseases, Öztürk stated, "In hot weather, blood vessels dilate, the rate of sweating increases, fluid levels decrease, and blood becomes more concentrated. Increases in blood pressure occur, and irregularities in heart rhythm can emerge. As a result of all this, we observe a serious increase in strokes and cerebrovascular occlusions."

Öztürk noted that extreme heat, along with air pollution, also threatens brain and vascular health.

Pointing out that extreme heat and polluted air cause fatal diseases all over the world, Öztürk said, "Reports indicate that approximately 12 million people worldwide are lost annually due to polluted air and climate change. 2.5 million of these consist of patients with brain and vascular diseases. We were very alarmed during the COVID period, we lost our people, we experienced great sadness, and we took precautions. In fact, we need to use the same precautions and the same state of alarm for these conditions as well."

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH FROM EXTREME HEAT

Öztürk stated that one must protect oneself from the extreme heat caused by climate change for the sake of brain health, and spoke as follows:

"Air temperature reduces the amount of water circulating in our bodies and vessels, both due to sweating and the dilation of vessels. We need to consume plenty of fluids. No matter where we are, we must never neglect fluid intake. It is necessary to avoid heavy, hard-to-digest foods. We need to consume more vegetables, fruits, and foods with high fluid content. We need to avoid working, walking, or spending time directly under the heat as much as our means allow. We must definitely take personal precautions to protect ourselves and use hats. We need to try to lower our body temperature as much as possible with cold drinks."

Explaining that there are certain groups, such as the elderly, who are sensitive to hot weather, Öztürk expressed that spending time in green spaces as much as possible is important for protection from both heat and polluted air.