Given the alert issued by the National Meteorological Service (SMN) regarding the high temperatures being recorded, the Secretariat of Health and Sports of the Municipality of Concordia lists a series of recommendations to protect the skin, and avoid heat stroke and dehydration.
First, the importance of avoiding excessive sun exposure is reiterated because it can cause skin aging, cataracts, and skin cancer.
In this regard, it is essential to:
- Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., preferably seek shade, and remain in ventilated spaces.
- If you go to the beach, use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours, and after getting out of the water.
- Babies under 1 year old should not be exposed to direct sunlight. From 6 months onwards, they must use sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), reapplied every 2 hours and after getting out of the water.
- In the case of physical activity, do it during the cooler hours, wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing. Cover your head with a hat or scarf. Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
Secondly, the groups that must take extra precautions because they may be more affected are: pregnant women; babies and young children; people over 65 years of age; and those suffering from chronic diseases such as, for example, respiratory or heart conditions, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.
WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
It is important to differentiate the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
These are disorders caused by an increase in body temperature as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity or intense physical exertion (exercise) in high temperatures. In these situations, the body has difficulty regulating its temperature.
At the same time, heat stroke is a severe form of heat injury and body temperature reaches 40° C or higher.
That is why heat exhaustion is a stage prior to heat stroke that must be recognized to prevent a more serious situation, and its symptoms are: excessive sweating; pale and cool skin; feeling of stifling heat; intense thirst and dry mouth; muscle cramps, exhaustion, fatigue or weakness; stomach aches, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting; headache, irritability, dizziness or fainting.
On the other hand, the symptoms of heat stroke are: body temperature of 39-40°C or higher (measured in the armpit), red, hot and dry skin (sweating stops), rapid breathing and heart rate, throbbing headache, altered mental state and behavior (vertigo, dizziness, disorientation, delirium, confusion or loss of consciousness) and seizures.
Regarding the prevention of heat stroke for infants or young children, it is recommended to: breastfeed more frequently, offer them fresh water, move them to cool and ventilated places, and shower them or wet their bodies with fresh water.
Finally, in case of any doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor or go to the nearest Health Center to avoid further complications.
First, the importance of avoiding excessive sun exposure is reiterated because it can cause skin aging, cataracts, and skin cancer.
In this regard, it is essential to:
- Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., preferably seek shade, and remain in ventilated spaces.
- If you go to the beach, use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours, and after getting out of the water.
- Babies under 1 year old should not be exposed to direct sunlight. From 6 months onwards, they must use sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), reapplied every 2 hours and after getting out of the water.
- In the case of physical activity, do it during the cooler hours, wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing. Cover your head with a hat or scarf. Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
Secondly, the groups that must take extra precautions because they may be more affected are: pregnant women; babies and young children; people over 65 years of age; and those suffering from chronic diseases such as, for example, respiratory or heart conditions, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.
WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
It is important to differentiate the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
These are disorders caused by an increase in body temperature as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity or intense physical exertion (exercise) in high temperatures. In these situations, the body has difficulty regulating its temperature.
At the same time, heat stroke is a severe form of heat injury and body temperature reaches 40° C or higher.
That is why heat exhaustion is a stage prior to heat stroke that must be recognized to prevent a more serious situation, and its symptoms are: excessive sweating; pale and cool skin; feeling of stifling heat; intense thirst and dry mouth; muscle cramps, exhaustion, fatigue or weakness; stomach aches, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting; headache, irritability, dizziness or fainting.
On the other hand, the symptoms of heat stroke are: body temperature of 39-40°C or higher (measured in the armpit), red, hot and dry skin (sweating stops), rapid breathing and heart rate, throbbing headache, altered mental state and behavior (vertigo, dizziness, disorientation, delirium, confusion or loss of consciousness) and seizures.
Regarding the prevention of heat stroke for infants or young children, it is recommended to: breastfeed more frequently, offer them fresh water, move them to cool and ventilated places, and shower them or wet their bodies with fresh water.
Finally, in case of any doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor or go to the nearest Health Center to avoid further complications.