Diyarbakır physician Aziz Zilan warns against sunstroke between 10 am‑4 pm

Emergency medicine specialist Aziz Zilan of Diyarbakır Selahaddin Eyyübi State Hospital cautioned that sunstroke and heat‑related weakness peak in July and August. He advised people to stay indoors from 10:00 to 16:00, especially the elderly (65+), children under five, pregnant women and patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease or those on dialysis.

He recommended drinking at least 2.5–3 litres of water daily, favoring light, vegetable‑based meals and avoiding heavy foods. Additional measures include wearing loose, light‑coloured clothing, applying high‑SPF (30‑factor) sunscreen, limiting strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or late afternoon, and ensuring regular intake of electrolyte‑rich drinks such as soda or fruit juice. Zilan warned that shade can still cause excessive sweating and electrolyte loss, and that common misconceptions—such as tea cooling the body or salty ayran being harmful—are false. He also highlighted risks for outdoor workers, animals left in vehicles, and consumption of foods exposed to heat.

Overall, the doctor emphasized vigilant hydration, proper clothing, and timing of outdoor work to prevent severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potentially life‑threatening complications.