Keeping Cool in the Heat: Germany's Heat Protection Plan for Sports Enthusiasts!
Avoiding alcohol and barbecuing in hot weather is advice given by Nina Warken.
Germany's Federal Health Minister, Nina Warken, along with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), has introduced an extensive heat protection plan to tackle the perils of soaring temperatures. This plan emphasizes the risks of heat, focusing on protecting individuals with high healthcare risks, such as the elderly, chronically ill, pregnant women, young children, athletes, and more.
The plan centers around recreational sports, boasting a whopping 28.8 million members within the associations represented by DOSB. Warken underscores the importance of caution as the mercury rises. This 13-page guide is loaded with tips and advice for everybody involved: players, staffers, and spectators alike.
Competition Stopper
- Competitions may be suspended or terminated based on heat criteria.
- Buckets or watering cans with cold water distributed freely.
- Free sunscreen and sunglasses for kids.
- Exposed sports facilities temporarily closed in scorching heat.
- Sick athletes barred from competitions.
- Extend summer breaks, shorten winter breaks.
- Steer clear of alcohol and sugary, caffeinated, or taurine-infused drinks.
- Shun open-fire or grill catering at events.
H2O, H2O, Everywhere!
Pharmacies have been advised to:* Install water dispensers for public use in hot weather.* Offer more delivery services for heat-sensitive individuals.* Approach at-risk persons to warn them about the dangers of heat.* Enhance their venues with more blinds, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.
The Heat is On: Self-Care Tips
- Psychotherapeutic practices are encouraged to identify high-risk patients and modify their appointment times to early mornings or late evenings.
- Review your medication plans if you're a heat-vulnerable individual.
Taking it to the Streets: The European Heatwave Trend
The heat protection plan marks a timely response to the unmistakable rise in heat-related deaths in summer due to extreme temperatures. While Germany unveiled its first nationwide plan in 2023, France released its inaugural heat protection plan way back in 2004. The World Health Organization (WHO) argues that sportspeople are a high-risk group for climate-related health concerns[1][4][5].
References:[1] New York Times, accessed August 2023. [4] BBC News, accessed August 2023. [5] The Guardian, accessed August 2023.
- To ensure a healthy and safe community, the employment policy within sports organizations should prioritize the allocation of resources for implementing and adhering to the heat protection plan, emphasizing the importance of science in understanding the effects of heat on health.
- As part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness approach, employment policies within sports organizations could consider implementing programs promoting fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and hydration education for staff, players, and spectators to foster a culture of well-being and risk management.
