Heat Wisen't Play: Minister Nina Warken's Summer Sports Warning
Avoid consuming alcohol and barbecuing during hot weather, as advised by Nina Warken.
Get ready for sweltering temps, folks! Summer's on its way, and Germany's heating up like a BBQ on a scorching day. In response, our fave Health Minister, Nina Warken, has whipped up a sizzling new heat protection plan, with a special focus on recreational sports. So, sporty peeps, brace yourselves!
In cahoots with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), Minister Warken's unveiled an action-packed heat protection plan, designed to tackle the dangers of sky-high heat. This trio of plans tackles psychological practices, pharmacies, and, you guessed it, organized sports.
Sick of the sweat during the dog days? Wish you could cool off easier? Well, fret no more! Minister Warken's got you covered with a 13-page guidance book filled with tips and tricks to help high-risk groups like the elderly, chronically ill, pregnant ladies, kids, and athletes beat the heat.
Crank up the Sports, Tone it Down on the Heat
Recreational sports are the name of the game. With approximately 28.8 million sports enthusiasts within DOSB-represented associations, it's safe to say that health and safety are top priorities. "Take it easy when the mercury rises," warns Minister Warken in the plan's introduction.
The heat protection guide offers a treasure trove of advice:
- Game off when temps soar: Suspending and ending competitions when the heat becomes too much.
- Quench your thirst wisely: Providing cold water buckets or watering cans .
- Shield young eyes and skin: Offering free sunscreen and sunglasses to kiddos.
- Shut the door if it's too hot: Closing exposed sports facilities when things heat up.
- Bench the sick: Keeping sick athletes off the field during heatwaves.
- Add more chill to breaks: Extending summer breaks while shortening winter ones.
- Sip cooler beverages: Steering clear of alcohol and drinks with sugar, caffeine, and taurine.
- No grilled goodies: Avoiding outdoor fires and grilling when the temperatures climb.
Pharmacies and More: Stay Cool and Care
In addition to sports, pharmacies play a vital role in heat protection. They're advised to install water dispensers, amp up delivery services, reach out to at-risk individuals, and spread the word about the perils of too much heat. They're also encouraged to refresh their stores with blinds, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.
Psst! Mind Your Meds: Psychotherapeutic practices should keep a close eye on high-risk patients, review their meds, and schedule appointments during cooler parts of the day.
Although Germany's first official heat protection plan was announced in 2023, our pals across the sea, France, got a head start in 2004. Every year, Germany loses thousands due to the summer heat.
Resources: ntv.de, as
Enrichment Data:
Though specifics about 2023's plan and its take on sports, booze, and grilling in the heat aren't spelled out, general heat protection tips often include:
- Recreational Sports:
- Keep hydrated with plenty of H2O before, during, and after sports.
- Chill out during peak sun hours (usually 11 AM - 3 PM) by taking breaks in the shade or using cooling towels.
- Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke among athletes.
- Alcohol Consumption:
- Balance your drink with water to maintain hydration.
- Steer clear of alcohol during heatwaves because of its dehydrating effects.
- Grilling:
- Ensure grills are in well-ventilated spots to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Keep hydrated while grilling, and remember to stay cool!
- The community policy, as proposed by Minister Nina Warken, includes a focus on recreational sports as part of a heat protection plan, in collaboration with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB).
- The heat protection guide, aimed at various high-risk groups, offers several suggestions related to sports, such as suspending competitions during extreme heat, providing cold water supplies, and extending summer breaks to help athletes cope with high temperatures.
- Besides sports facilities, pharmacies are also advised to play a crucial role in heat protection, with recommendations to install water dispensers, boost delivery services, reach out to at-risk individuals, and enhance their stores' cooling systems.
- In the realm of mental health, psychotherapeutic practices are encouraged to stay mindful of their high-risk patients during heatwaves, review their medications, and schedule appointments during cooler parts of the day.
