Until 11 autonomous communities remain on alert for high temperatureswith 40 degrees in the south, while in Catalonia there will also be very strong storms and rains, accompanied by hail, as in the Aragon region.
Thus, our country continues immersed in the third heat wave of the summer, which is between July 30 or 31 and could last until this weekend. It is a period in which exceeded normal values for this time of yeargreater than the “strict intensity, extension and duration” thresholds used to classify this episode of extreme heat.
With the unceasingly high temperatures in Spain, many people suffer from heat stroke. In July alone, the Carlos III Health Institute estimates that there have been 2,124 deaths attributable to heatwith a peak in the middle of the month that coincided with the second wave.
There are many people who suffer heat stroke and other illnesses caused by extreme temperaturesso it is advisable to take into account the recommendations of professionals to prevent the effects that occur in this summer period.
Instructions for a heat wave: basic tips
Experts say that hot days the human body must make an effort to adapt to maintain normal body temperature, so if the situation continues there is a greater ‘sacrifice’. Given this effort of the body, health problems arise, so the Ministry of Health gives these recommendations:
- To drink water and liquids in abundant quantity, even if you are not thirsty. It recommends avoiding coffee, tea, cola or other alcoholic and very sugary drinks.
- Stay in cool, shady places and spend “at least two hours” in air-conditioned places.
- lower the blinds to avoid direct sunlight, as well as not opening the windows when it is hotter. It is also not advisable to use the fan if the temperature in the home is 35 degrees or higher.
- Avoid outdoor activities in central hours of the day, especially those that require physical effort.
- Do light mealssuch as salads, fruits, vegetables, gazpachos or juices, since they help replace the salts lost through sweat.
- Use light, light-colored clothing and a hat or something similar on the street. It is also advisable to wear cool, comfortable and breathable shoes.
Watch out for these six heat illnesses
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs warns of six illnesses associated with heat that can increase the probability of accidents or aggravation of previous ailments, in addition to suffering from these well-known illnesses, which are the following:
Acne
Is about wet skin due to excessive sweating or environmental humidity. The symptoms are uneven red rash on the skin that can become infected, as well as intense itching and discomfort that prevent the normal development of work or rest.
cramps
Cramps occur with spasms, involuntary muscle movements, as well as muscle pain in the arms, legs, abdomen, etc. They can appear during the effort or later.
heat syncope
It occurs when being standing still for a long time in a hot placeand presents as lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, and a weak pulse.
dehydration
The symptoms of dehydration are the following: thirst, dry mouth and mucous membranes, fatigue, lightheadedness, tachycardia, dry, stiff skin, less frequent and smaller volume urination, concentrated and dark urine.
heat exhaustion
Be very careful with heat exhaustion, as it can lead to heat stroke. Its symptoms are: extreme weakness and fatigue, nausea, malaise, dizziness, tachycardia, headache, loss of consciousness, but without obtundation. In addition, the skin may appear pale, cold and wet from sweat.
Heatstroke
Finally, a heat stroke that many people suffer every summer, so many precautions must be taken due to the high temperatures. It presents with tachycardia, rapid and weak breathing, high or low blood pressure, decreased sweating, irritability, confusion, and fainting.
Also, there may be central nervous system disordersas well as hot and dry skin with cessation of sweating.
Tips to avoid heat illness
Most of these diseases follow the same patterns, so it is advised move the affected person away from the heat as quickly as possiblestart to cool it down and add cold water with salts or a cool isotonic drink.
The most common recommendation is to be well hydrated throughout the daythat is, drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty, and do not remain motionless in places where it is very hot.