Warning Signs and Heat Protection
Dr. Éva Junger – Head of Outpatient Care, Internist, Cardiologist, and Occupational Health Specialist
Heat-related symptoms often develop gradually, making the initial signs easy to overlook. Persistent dizziness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or a rapid heart rate can indicate underlying circulatory distress. Waiting for these symptoms to pass is risky; seeking prompt medical evaluation helps prevent more severe complications.
New or unusual symptoms in hot weather always warrant attention, especially for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Signs that the body’s heat-regulation system is struggling include a rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, and muscle cramps. If these occur, move immediately to a cool, shaded place and start lowering body temperature—for example, by applying cold compresses. Early action is vital during extreme weather.
Summer prevention relies on conscious lifestyle choices. Staying hydrated is essential, as fluid needs increase significantly even before thirst sets in. Timing daily activities wisely also matters: cooler morning and evening hours are much gentler on the body. Keeping indoor environments cool, seeking shade outdoors, and wearing lightweight clothing all help reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
Extra caution is necessary for anyone taking vasodilators, diuretics or beta-blockers; because high temperatures can intensify the effects of these medications, consulting a doctor is strongly recommended. Heatwaves have grown increasingly frequent in recent decades, making seasonal preparation more critical than ever. Medically managing drug dosages for the summer should be done proactively ahead of time. Regular blood pressure monitoring, keeping track of symptoms and maintaining clear communication with a physician play a key role in staying safe.
Sun Protection Guidelines
Dr. Ágnes Csitos – Dermatologist
Protecting one’s skin and eyes remains important throughout the holiday season. Around midday, when UV radiation peaks, move into the shade and embrace the midday siesta tradition common in Mediterranean regions.
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and use SPF 50 for children. Keep in mind that protection wears off quickly during swimming or outdoor sports due to sweating and water exposure, so reapply every two hours. For sightseeing or hiking, UV-filtering or tightly woven linen and cotton clothing provides good coverage. Protect the scalp and eyes by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Following sun-safety practices is particularly crucial for people with fair or sensitive skin, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with weakened immune systems due to underlying health conditions.
Managing Pollen Allergies
Dr. Magdolna Krasznai – ENT Specialist and Allergist
When the pollen season arrives, allergy sufferers face challenging weeks if they fail to prepare in advance for the symptoms that predictably peak in the late summer. Track local pollen forecasts, limit outdoor exposure where possible and plan holidays with pollen counts in mind. Wearing masks and glasses, using pollen filters, and regularly washing your hair, face and nasal passages can significantly reduce exposure. A well-balanced diet also helps prevent cross-reactivities.
Start taking allergy medication before symptoms—such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes— appear. Nasal congestion can stem from various underlying issues, making an evaluation by an ENT specialist highly recommended. While congestion often accompanies other seasonal allergy symptoms, it is frequently the main symptom for perennial allergies caused by year-round triggers like dust mites or animal dander. Downloading the MASK-air app can also help manage pollen allergy symptoms effectively.
Staying Properly Hydrated
Dr. Viktor Málik – Urologist
Maintaining sufficient fluid intake is essential during the summer months. The best options are cold, sugar-free and caffeine-free beverages. Monitoring urine colour is the simplest way to check hydration levels: clear or pale urine indicates adequate fluid intake. In hot weather, daily requirements can easily reach 3 to 4 litres. Increased fluid consumption is especially crucial for individuals prone to kidney stones or recurring infections, as these conditions are more likely to flare up in the heat.
Cystitis and bladder infections are also more common in summer. When visiting lakes, pools or beaches, pay extra attention to staying hydrated, and drink plenty of water alongside any alcoholic beverages. Women should dry off thoroughly and change out of wet swimwear after swimming to help avoid urinary tract issues.
If symptoms such as painful or bloody urination, sudden strong urges to urinate, lower abdominal pain, or foul-smelling urine develop, consult a doctor. A urine analysis can pinpoint the problem so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
Molluscum Contagiosum (Water Warts): Don't Leave Them Untreated
Dr. Katalin Nagy – Dermatologist
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection, particularly among children. Appearing as small, firm, pinhead-sized bumps, these growths often go unnoticed by parents at first. Even when spotted, they are frequently dismissed until they multiply enough to require medical attention.
Because these viral warts are contagious, addressing them quickly is important. Leaving them untreated creates a risk of spreading the infection across the patient's own body and to others in close contact.
Before attempting any home treatments, consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis which makes treating the condition far simpler and safer. Following medical guidance carefully ensures the skin heals fully without leaving lasting marks.
Summer Fruits: Refreshing, Hydrating, and Nutrient-Rich
Zita Dobák – Dietitian
One of the great highlights of summer is the abundance of seasonal fruit. Watermelon, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, sour cherries and various berries bring vibrant flavour to meals while supplying valuable nutrients, fibre, antioxidants and hydration.
From a nutritional perspective, however, there is a major difference between eating whole fruit and drinking fruit juice. Whole fruit requires chewing, provides dietary fibre and is naturally consumed in moderate quantities. By contrast, a single glass of juice concentrates the liquid of several pieces of fruit while stripping away most of the fibre leading to a much faster spike in blood sugar. Because of this, fruit juice acts differently in the body from whole fruit—even if it is 100% natural with no added sugar.
Summer fruits offer plenty of versatile culinary uses beyond eating them raw. Mixing frozen raspberries or sour cherries into yogurt creates a refreshing, natural dessert. Grilled peaches paired with cottage cheese or tossed into a salad offer a flavourful twist on traditional treats. Watermelon combined with mint, feta or arugula takes on a savoury profile, transforming it from a simple dessert into a light, refreshing summer dish. These creative pairings make healthy eating effortless without sacrificing flavour.
