Hot tips for this year’s summer holiday

"People are often unaware of the dangers heat exposure may have on their bodies,” Dr Francois-Xavier Duchateau, Group Chief Medical Officer for Allianz Partners. “High temperatures in 2022 may be responsible for 70,000 excess deaths in Europe. ”

And it is not just sports people who are affected. Outdoor labor  and even just strolling in the heat can become hazardous. General guidelines indicate that caution should be exercised when heat reaches 27-32°C (80-90°F), with conditions becoming increasingly dangerous at 35°C (95°F) and above. 

Air humidity also plays a role in lowering the body’s tolerance to heat. When the air is humid, sweat evaporation from the skin is slower, and the natural cooling mechanism less effective. High humidity makes it harder for the body to regulate its internal temperature, potentially leading to heat-related illness.

Extreme heat exerts tremendous stress on the human body, impacting both physiological functions and performance. High temperatures force the body to work harder to cool down, leading to quicker depletion of energy reserves, reduced endurance and decreased strength. The central nervous system is also affected, causing slower reaction times and impaired cognitive function. 

“Young children and the elderly are more prone to heat illness as their body metabolisms don't accommodate a drastic temperature change as well,” notes Duchateau. “In particular, older people often have increased numbers of medical conditions and are often on prescription medications that may make it more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature naturally.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Paris 2024 organizers know the risks and are implementing strategies to combat the potentially debilitating effects of elevated temperatures. Severe heat can hinder athletes' ability to perform and increase the risk of mistakes and injuries. Athletes risk heat stress, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause dizziness and impaired performance. Severe cases can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation system fails.

Organizers are monitoring long-term weather models to anticipate and prepare for heat waves. This is backed by comprehensive guidelines for managing heat-related illnesses, ensuring that medical teams are well-prepared for emergencies. These guidelines include rapid cooling techniques and detailed emergency response protocols to manage heat-related incidents swiftly and effectively.

The competition schedule has been adjusted to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Events are now scheduled in the mornings and evenings when temperatures are cooler, reducing the risk of heat-related health issues for athletes. Multiple hydration and cooling stations will also be set up across all venues, providing cold drinks and shaded areas for athletes, staff and spectators to rest and stay hydrated.

Duchateau says people should follow the IOC’s lead and undertake outdoor activities at lower temperatures. “To mitigate heat risks, they must ensure they are properly hydrated, take frequent breaks, wear appropriate clothing and schedule activities during cooler parts of the day.”

Young children rely on adults to recognize and respond to overheating signs, which include excessive sweating, irritability and lethargy. High wet-bulb temperatures can also lead to dehydration faster in children, as their smaller body size means they have less fluid reserve.

Older people face similar risks, compounded by age-related factors such as reduced sweating capacity, chronic illnesses, and medications that can impair heat regulation. Symptoms in older adults might include confusion, dizziness, and weakness, which can quickly escalate to more severe conditions without prompt intervention.

“Overall, young children and the elderly need extra care and monitoring during high wet-bulb temperatures. Ensure they stay hydrated, remain in cool environment, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat times are critical to protecting these at-risk groups from the dangers of extreme heat,” concludes Duchateau.

A recent report  from the Geneva Association, a global association of insurance companies, warns heat will become an increasing concern for the industry. While the growing impact of the global climate crisis is evident in property and casualty claims for damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, the health-related impacts of climate change, such as respiratory issues from wildfires and strokes from heatwaves, are less understood. 

While the effects on health and life insurers have been minimal so far, they are expected to rise as climate change intensifies. The report suggests insurers can play a crucial role in protecting society by innovating with solutions like parametric insurance, which pays a predetermined amount when specific events occur, prioritizing prevention by incentivizing climate- and health-beneficial behaviors and improving data collection to measure climate-related health risks.