Have you read the forecast of the State Meteorological Agency for the next few days? in a matter of temperatures they will continue to rise at least until Sunday. So that by day 24 the center and southwest of the Peninsula, and part of eastern Andalusia, expect the thermometer to be between 36 and 40 degrees.
I heard yesterday that these temperatures had not been recorded in the month of June for a long time, and I wondered, but has it ever been so hot before this time? If summer has just begun!
The point is that heat affects our health, and we must all take precautions to protect ourselves. It is normal that we feel more tired because the body strives in an attempt to adapt (to maintain body temperature). But also excessive heat can cause several problems and especially affect vulnerable population groups. Conditions associated with high temperatures occur because as the natural mechanisms for regulating body temperature are not enough, the body overheats leading to discomfort, discomfort and even serious accidents.
How does the body act to try to control the temperature ?: we sweat, dilate and contract the capillaries alternately, and thus we reduce the heat. But we also lose liquids and minerals, our circulation changes,… It is not always possible to balance the temperature by natural mechanisms, and therefore we must take into account the recommendations and pay attention to the most vulnerable population groups
How does heat affect our health?
The days of intense heat force the human body to an effort of adaptation to maintain normal body temperature, this is especially noticeable when:
During a first heat wave: the body is not yet accustomed to high temperatures.
When the heat continues for several days or if the days and nights are hot.
When there is a lot of humidity and there is no wind.
Problems caused by heat and 'how to act'
Heat can produce from skin irritations and cramps to such a temperature rise, which can even lead to death if we do not receive urgent medical attention.
Our body is composed of 60% water. The loss of water and mineral salts from sweat, if not replaced, produces symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle weakness or cramping, nausea and vomiting and even small elevations in body temperature
It is very important to recognize health problems caused by heat, in order to take appropriate measures.
Cramps
Muscle cramps (in legs, abdomen or arms), especially if you sweat a lot during intense physical activity.
If they occur we should stop all activity and rest in a cool place, avoid intense physical activity for several hours, drink light juices and sports drinks diluted in water and consult a doctor if they last more than an hour.
Heat exhaustion
It occurs after several days of heat: excessive sweating reduces body fluids and restoration of salts.
Its main symptoms are weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fainting ..., and the action in case they happen happens to rest in a cool place, drink juices or sports drinks diluted in water, consult the doctor if the symptoms get worse or last longer from one hour.
Heatstroke
It is a serious problem with a probable fatal outcome without medical help: the body is unable to control the temperature, which is increasing rapidly and can reach 40.6º C.
The main symptoms are heat, dryness and red skin, rapid pulse, severe headache, confusion and loss of consciousness. It is necessary to call the emergency room, cool the body while the affected person is in a dark room, put water cloths on the body (or take a bath / shower).
Sunburn occurs by direct sun on the skin even if the day is not very hot. They should be avoided, being less time in the sun and using protective creams
Tips to avoid heat
Drink frequently water or liquids without waiting to be thirsty, except if there is medical contraindication. Avoid alcoholic drinks, sugary drinks, coffee and tea.
Cool off with a shower or just get wet.
Make light meals that help replenish the salts lost by sweat (salads, fruits, vegetables, juices ...).
On the outside protect yourself from the sun: look for shadows, cover your head, wear light clothes of light colors, as well as cool, comfortable and perspiring shoes.
It is necessary to reduce the intense physical activities in the open air and during the hottest hours and where appropriate the precautions.
At home, the persions should be lowered when the sun falls directly on the windows and not open when the outside temperature is high.
The environment can be cooled with fans and cooling systems, always with a rational use of them
Who needs special attention?
Some population groups are more sensitive to high temperatures and require greater monitoring of protection measures:
Children under 4 years old: we will watch that they drink a lot of liquid, cooling them frequently and dressing them with light and light clothes. Never leave them alone in vehicles in the sun.
Elders, especially those who live alone or are dependent: they may have difficulties in taking protective measures, so they should be visited at least once a day by a family member, friend, neighbor and, where appropriate, request The collaboration of social services.
People with chronic diseases or taking medication: It is important that you continue with your usual medication, do not self-medicate and consult your doctor about the complementary measures to be taken in your case.
People who make physical efforts abroad (both work and sport). They should reduce the intensity of their activity in the hottest hours, drink frequently (water, juices ...) and protect themselves from the sun.
I do not know how hot this summer will be, but we will all be welcome to take into account all these tips and recommendations, for our health and ours.
Images | Ivy Dawneda, MiikaS Source | Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality in Peques and More | Children and adolescents are very vulnerable groups to the effects of ultraviolet radiation, Tips to combat some of the problems associated with sweat in children, Solar allergy: definition, symptoms and tips to protect children
