Seniors Admitted to hospitals because of intense heatwave in northern Sweden
Heatwave in Northern Sweden: Sunderby Hospital Reports Increase in Heat-Related Health Issues
A heatwave in northern Sweden has led to an increase in heat-related health issues, particularly at Sunderby Hospital in Luleå. According to Mattias Josefsson, the head of emergency care at Sunderby Hospital, the worsening health issues are due to the difficulty in managing fluid intake during the hot weather.
The hospital and care homes are taking measures to combat the heat, including providing fluids containing electrolytes, offering ice cream, and using cool towels. In addition, portable air conditioning and fans are being used in warmer wards to help keep patients comfortable.
The heat wave, with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius, is unusual for Sweden, where the climate is generally cold. Even though the official yellow alert for heatwaves is triggered when temperatures exceed 30°C for four consecutive days, the relatively moderate temperature can still lead to health warnings because Swedish infrastructure, homes, and populations are less adapted to handle such heat.
Frequent warnings about the heat have been issued by the national weather agency SMHI, and parts of northern Sweden have seen temperatures above 30C recently. However, there hasn't been an unusual surge in admissions in emergency departments as a whole, with heat-exacerbated symptoms being prevalent among older patients in Sunderbyn, Sundsvall, and Västerbotten.
The heat wave could be a contributing factor to the observed health issues, but there haven't been any new contributing factors reported. As the heatwave continues, hospitals and care homes are adapting their services to manage the heat and keep patients comfortable and hydrated.
[1] Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). (n.d.). Heatwave warnings. Retrieved from SMHI Heatwave Warnings
[2] World Health Organization. (2019). Health and climate change: impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation. Retrieved from WHO Health and Climate Change
[3] Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. (n.d.). Heatwave. Retrieved from Sveriges Radios Heatwave
[4] Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). (n.d.). Climate change. Retrieved from SMHI Climate Change
[5] Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). (n.d.). Heatwave thresholds. Retrieved from SMHI Heatwave Thresholds
- Amidst the heatwave, mental health and workplace wellness could also be impacted as prolonged exposure to high temperatures might aggravate existing chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.
- Skin care becomes more vital during heatwaves, with the sun possibly causing premature aging and skin damage in the form of sunburns or heat rash.
- In a bid to combat heat-related medical conditions, fitness and exercise regimens should be adapted to suit the changing weather, promoting health and wellness in the community during extreme weather conditions.
- As weather forecasting plays a crucial role in preparing for and managing heatwaves, follow updates and guidelines provided by meteorological institutes like SMHI to ensure personal and community safety.
- While aging populations are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses during heatwaves, it's essential to consider that even younger populations may face unique vulnerabilities related to managing their environment and maintaining hydration.
- Climate change may exacerbate the frequency and severity of heatwaves in the future, increasing the need for healthcare services to address both acute and chronic health issues, both physical and mental, among vulnerable populations.
