At a time when an extreme heat wave crosses the planet, it is important to recognize the symptoms of risky situations, and know how to keep children, adults and hydrated, fresh and safe elderly-and it is possible to do so, even without air conditioning.
On the ground It has never been so hotand millions of people around the world are on heat alerts. In India and Pakistan, a wave of early heat It recorded temperatures that reached 49 degrees Celsius.
In June and early July, Europe was extremelyresulting in more than 2,000 deaths. All this after 2024 was recorded as the hottest year on the planet.
In Portugal,: Many places reach the 40 degrees Already this week.
The extreme heat is extremely dangerous and can even be mortalthe main cause of climate -related death in most western countries.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat exhaust, heat blows, cramps, sunburn and rash caused by high temperatures.
Babies and young children, adults over 65overweight people and people who take certain medications – As amphetamines and antidepressants – are at greater risk of heat -related diseases, note a.
People who work outdoors and are exposed to the sun and heat are also at greater risk.
Children produce more body heatthey sweat less, and tend not to stay so hydrated, making them more sensitive to heat. “Your skin is vulnerable, they catch sunburn easily,” he says Joanna CohenPediatric emergency doctor at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Like the children, Older adults do not have such a fast or efficient thermoregulating response, explains Raleigh Todman, Emergency Medicine Medical at Columbia University Medical Center. “Your body does not cool as quickly as the rest of the population,” he says.
However, All must take precautions to remain fresh and hydrated during the extreme heat. When moisture exceeds 75%, the body’s capacity to Cooling through perspiration is not so effectivewhich makes security against heat even more important.
Here are some important ideas to keep in mind When we face a hot wave like the one that recently hit us.
Keep the house and body as cool as possible
One of the most effective ways of preventing heat -related diseases is to be in a Building with air conditioning – Although the air conditioner is a contributor to climate change.
We can also lower the temperature of the house closing the blinds To prevent sunlight from warming the house and avoiding the use of the stove and oven.
Os Electric fans may seem pleasantbut do not prevent heat -related diseases. If you have individual air conditioning units, try contain cold air in an area keep the doors closed into a division.
Other homemade forms of cooling include avoid exercise or strenuous activities, take a bath or fresh showerput moist cloths or ice on the wrists, neck and temples, and Use light color fabrics And loose as cotton and linen – and also wear their children in loose and clear clothes.
If your home has no air conditioner or if you still feel hot, find a cooler – An interior place with air conditioning where it can be safe from the heat. Museums, libraries, cinemas, cafes, Shopping centers and stores can also offer heat refuge.
Parents must remember nUnca Leave Children and Pets alone in the car. Cohen suggests that the wallet or mobile phone next to the child or pet, in the rear seat, as a double reminder to take them with them.
Children may want to enjoy the outdoor sunny days with the park, beach or pool. Outdoor activities can be safe for children as long as there is shadow and water available, says cohen.
“If they are doing exercise, such as playing soccer, must take breaks frequent and go to the shadow, ”says Cohen.“ If start to be overheatedenter a fresh, air conditioner, if they can. ”
All, regardless of agethey should take a lot of rest breaks in the shadow and use sunscreen and hat if you spend time outdoors, although Todman suggests Avoid leaving home between noon and 16h.
“If they need to do something and have your elderly parents and your baby and need to go shopping, If you can do it in the morning before noonor in the afternoon after 4pm, This is the best bet to avoid the most direct sun And the hottest part of the day, ”says Todman.
Besides avoiding heat in a cool place, keep hydrated This is another crucial aspect of hot -time safety because it helps regulate body temperature. On hot days, it needs Increase water intakeeven if you do not feel thirsty or you are not working physically.
Avoid alcohol or caffeinewhich can contribute to dehydration. Try drinking water consistently throughout the day and encourages children to always have a bottle of water with them, says Cohen.
If your children resist drinking waterTodman suggests giving them sports drinks or Drinks with electrolytes, and even milkwhich will help replace the electrolytes lost in sweat.
Milk is, by the way, that we usually consume, according to a study recently reported by ZAP.
It is possible to know if we are duly hydrated If we use the bathroom every two to three hours and the urine is light yellow; If your urine is dark or golden yellow, Drink more water.
A way to determine If children are dehydrated It is gently pinching your skin. If they are hydrated, the skin should return to the placesays Todman; If dehydrated, the skin will be pinched.
Ideally, Everyone should drink one liter of water a dayAlthough it is not easy to convince old people or young children to drink so much water, ”says Todman.
People who work outdoors should drink a glass of water every 15 to 20 minutes-and make sure they use sunscreen. Cold treats and high water foods, such as Cold and watermelonthey can keep us hydrated and fresh, he adds.
Treat your pets in the same way who would treat a baby, says Todman: Don’t leave them outdoorskeep them in cool places and always keep the bowl of full water.
Recognize the signs
If the reader, a family member or a neighbor start showing signs of exhaustion by heat or insolation – also called “heat blow” – is important to recognize the symptoms and react quickly.
According to the US Health Regulator CDC, the Exhaust symptoms by heat include:
- Intense perspiration
- Cold, pale and wet
- Fast and weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
This is what to do If you are feeling exhausted by the heat:
- Travel to a fresh place
- Loosen
- Put fresh and wet cloths on the body or take a fresh shower
- Seek medical help if you are throwing up, or if symptoms get worse or persist for more than an hour
According to the CDC, the Insolation symptoms include:
- Body temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius or higher
- Hot, red, dry or wet skin
- Fast and strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Fainting
This is what to do If someone is feeling a sunstroke:
- Call 112
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Put fresh and wet cloths in the body or put it in a fresh bath
- Give nothing to drink to the affected person
The signs of exhaustion by heat and insolation They are the same For both adults and children, says Cohen, but a younger baby or child It may not be able to verbalize as you feel. Make sure children are consistently the babyR, to urinate frequently and seem alert.
Best practices to deal with extreme heat are, in summary, to maintain their hydrated body, avoid strenuous activities or extended outdoors, keep your as much as possible And ensure that community members are doing the same.
Finally, Keep contact with elderly neighbors Or people with young children or pets who may not have access to a place with air conditioning. “This kind of attention to neighbors is important,” says Todman.
