Heat wave: a danger to your health

Very high temperatures and excessive heat cause a loss of liquids and mineral salts (chlorine, potassium, sodium, etc.) needed by the body. This can worsen a chronic illness or cause dehydration and exhaustion. If the exposure to very high temperatures is prolonged, heat stroke can be experienced, a condition which can be serious.

Symptoms

There are some symptoms which can warn us that someone is suffering from heat stroke: very high temperature, headache, nausea, sleepiness or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms appear, move the person to a cooler location, give them water, wet them and increase ventilation. And call healthcare services urgently on (061).

Protect yourself from the sun and the heat

Control the temperature in your home:
• During the middle of the day, close the blinds on windows that get a lot of sun.
• Open the windows at night to cool the house.
• Stay in the coolest areas.
• Use some type of climate control (fans, air conditioners, etc.) to cool the house. If you do not have air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours each day in air-conditioned environments (shopping centres, cinemas, etc.).
• Freshen up often using showers, dampened towels, etc.
In the street, avoid direct sun:
• Wear a cap or a sunhat.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of light fabric (such as cotton), in light colours.
• Try to walk in the shade, stay under an umbrella at the beach and rest in cool places in the street or in closed air-conditioned spaces.
• Carry water and drink it often.
• Wet your face a little and even your clothes.
• Be careful with car trips during the hottest times of day and do not leave infants in the car with the windows closed.

Limit physical activity during the hottest times of day

• Avoid going out in the middle of the day when it is hottest.
• Reduce strenuous activities.

Drink often and watch what you eat

• Drink water and fruit juice as much as possible, even before you feel thirsty.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Avoid very hot foods and high-calorie foods.

Help others

If you know elderly people or people with illnesses who live alone:
• Try to visit them once a day.
• Help them to follow this advice.
• If they are taking medication, speak to their doctor to see if this can affect their body’s heat regulation system and whether it should be adjusted or changed.

Be well informed

• Find out the opening hours of the nearest Primary healthcare centres, both in your municipality and where you go on holiday.
• 902 111 444. Remember this number for Sanitat Respon, which can assist you every day, 24 hours a day. They will be able to tell you which healthcare centres are open and give you healthcare advice.
• Remember that at dispensaries you can obtain information about how to avoid problems from the heat.
• Be aware of the weather forecast to be forewarned about hot days.
• Go to healthcare and social services professionals in good time to prevent possible problems with your health.

Pay attention to these recommendations, especially if you are among these groups or are related to or acquainted with the following people:

• People older than 75 years of age.
• People with physical or psychiatric disabilities and/or limited mobility or ability to care for themselves.
• People involved in strenuous physical activity.
• People who must spend time outdoors or perform physical activity outdoors (including work).
• Newborns.
• People with arterial hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular, respiratory (COPD, bronchitis), renal, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases, obesity, or other chronic conditions
• People taking special medication (tranquilisers, antidepressants, psychotropic or diuretic drugs).
• People with mental and behavioural problems due to the use of psychoactive substances or alcohol.



For further information, see:
• http://www.msc.es/profesionales/saludPublica/prevPromocion/calor.htm
• http://www.HidratacionySalud.es