In the oppressive humidity and heat of summer, guests often look for air-conditioning in their rental accommodation. Casa Fenice does not have air-conditioners, a choice we made after doing research into heating and cooling and the comfort of our guests.
Most holiday makers will be spending much of their time outside on their Italian vacation. The pool, the medieval villages, markets and beach are all outside activities. In order to enjoy these it is important for our guests to acclimatize as quickly as possible.
Air conditioning reduces the guest’s ability to acclimatize. In other words, while the inside may be cooler, outside will feel much hotter.
Instead, we have chosen high powered ceiling fans. The breeze keeps guests cool at night without creating an artificial artic environment indoors. Used in conjunction with the windows and shutters, you will find Casa Fenice is significantly cooler inside than outside.
Be sure to open the windows from early evening to early morning when the air is at its coolest. During the day, close the widows to keep the heat out. The windows are all double glazed to assist in keeping the house insulated. The ceiling of the bedrooms is concrete, with a ventilated attic space above.
Heat Related Illnesses
It is easy to forget when we are enjoying our summer holiday that excess heat can damage the body, often relatively quickly. The National institute for Occupational Safety and Health has provided these guidelines:
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment delayed
First Aid
Take the following steps to treat someone with heat stroke:
- Cool the person quickly, using the following methods:
- With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
- Wet the skin
- Place cold wet cloths on the skin
- Soak clothing with cool water
- Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling.
- Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect:
- The elderly
- People with high blood pressure
- Those working in a hot environment
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) is a medical condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion. Rhabdo causes the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and damage to the kidneys.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rhabdo include:
- Muscle cramps/pain
- Abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine
- Weakness
- Exercise intolerance
- Asymptomatic
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat syncope include:
- Fainting (short duration)
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Symptoms
Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat rash include:
- Red clusters of pimples or small blisters
- Usually appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases
First Aid
People who have heat rash should:
- Move into a cooler, less humid environment, if possible.
- Keep the rash area dry.
- Apply powder to increase comfort.
- Don’t use ointments and creams.
The best preventative advice is to stay hydrated. Drink as much water as you can during the day and stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day. If you are doing lots of walking, be sure to stop and rest regularly. And remember, alcohol dehydrates!
