The heat wave that is dominating these days can negatively affect the health and well-being of citizens and especially vulnerable groups.

This was stated in the communique issued by the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo.

“Prolonged periods of high temperatures during the day and night create accumulated stress on the human body and increase the risk of illness and death from heat exposure. The body's inability to regulate core temperature and eliminate heat build-up during high temperatures increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The strain placed on the body as it tries to cool down also stresses the heart and kidneys. As a result, extreme heat can worsen the health status of people who have chronic diseases (cardiovascular, mental, respiratory and diabetes-related diseases) and cause rapid kidney damage," the institute said in a statement.

Therefore, IKShPK has given advice on the actions that must be taken to protect yourself from the heat:

Keep away from heat.
Avoid going outside and doing strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Stay in the shade. Remember that perceived temperatures in the sun can be 10-15 ˚C higher.
Spend 2-3 hours during the day in a cool place.
Be aware of the risk.
Stay informed of official warnings about high temperatures.
Keep your home cool.
Use the night air to cool your home by opening windows in the evening when the outside temperature is lower than the inside.
During the day when outside temperatures are higher than inside, close the windows and cover them with curtains or materials that prevent direct sunlight from entering.
Turn off as many electrical appliances as possible.
Use electric fans only when temperatures are below 40 ˚C.
If you use air conditioning, set the thermostat to 27˚C and turn on an electric fan - this will make the room feel 4˚C cooler. It can also save up to 70% on your cooling electricity bill.
Remember that it can be cooler outside in the shade.
Keep your body cool and hydrated.
Wear light and loose clothing, mostly cotton.
Take a cool shower or bath.
Wet your skin using a damp cloth, spray or light wet clothing.
Drink water regularly 1 glass of water per hour and at least 2-3 liters per day.
Reach out regularly to vulnerable people in your area – especially people over 65 and those with heart, lung or kidney disease, a disability and who live alone.
Protect babies and children.
Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any length of time, as temperatures can quickly rise dangerously high.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours (11:00-17:00), seeking shade or staying indoors.
Shade can reduce the heat you feel by more than 10 °C.
Never cover a pram / pram with dry cloth – this makes it hotter inside the pram. Instead, use a damp, thin cloth and re-moisten as needed to reduce the temperature.
Dress children in light, loose clothing that covers their skin and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect them from the sun's rays.
Follow the guidelines for keeping your home cool to maintain a safe indoor temperature.