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France’s heat wave is a severe health threat

France's heat wave is posing a severe health threat, especially for seniors and those with underlying medical conditions. The WHO warns of the potential for heat-related illnesses such as hyperthermia, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion. The rising temperatures are impacting daily life and occupational health challenges. Discover how people are coping with the extreme conditions and the measures being taken to combat the heat wave in France.

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Saturday 18th June 2022 is estimated to be France’s hottest day on record. It is a potential health hazard for everyone, especially the seniors and those with underlying medical conditions that can be made worse by heat. 

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Vulnerable people are counseled to stay indoors and drink lots of water. Seniors should only go outdoors in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening to exercise, shop, or refresh. 

The area of France that shares boundary with Spain is projected to reach 42 degrees while the southwest will likely experience 41.4 degrees Celsius. 

At noon time in Côte d'Azur, the thermometers read 38 degrees Celsius. The temperature has been progressively getting hotter during the week. 

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The WHO issued a warning that when the body is exposed to extreme heat, its capability to self-regulate temperature becomes compromised leading to a barrage of sickness like hyperthermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. 

An analysis published in the medical journal called “The Lancet” revealed that heat stress-linked scorching ambient situations raise morbidity and mortality, and also raises negative outcomes of gravidities and impacts mental health. 

Motor-cognitive routine and ability to do physical work are also lowered by extreme heat stress which can hamper output and raise the threat of occupational health challenges.

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To combat the extreme condition, parks now open for longer hours in France. More individuals are finding solace around rivers or sea which are usually cooler or remaining inside their homes.

In central France city of Châteauraux an upsurge of bacterial infection has occurred since the tap water is not portable as a result of heat. 

People are settling for packaged water and there is free home delivery for the vulnerable. 

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This year’s drought and heat spike is stronger and it is coming earlier that what it used to be in past years. 

Although warm water is fun, particularly for kids, it has potential health risks. 

According to the Health Service Executives, there are more than 213,000 skin cancer cases in Ireland every year which is double what it was a decade ago and will likely multiply again by the year 2045. 

Using sunbeds to shield the skin from extreme exposure to the sun can prevent the majority of skin cancers according to experts. 

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