Before the heat wave it is recommended to stay in cool places

The first heat wave of summer arrives and thermometers rise strongly.

The National Meteorological Service has already warned of this "phenomenon" whose thermal marks will exceed 40 degrees.

It is that in these days of intense heat it is advisable to stay in cool places, in the shade and if possible spend at least two hours in a heated place.

High temperatures can pose significant health risks, since in a heat wave, temperature regulation puts stress on every organism.

It is that the body temperature regulation system is decompensated and the body runs out of energy to carry out thermoregulation.

These extremes especially endanger the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children under four years of age, pregnant women and people who work outdoors, according to the National Ministry of Health, who warns that every year there are heat stroke deaths.

Given this, it is recommended:

Avoid going out in the middle of the day

Going outside in the middle of a heat wave can pose a health risk, especially in the middle of the day. And that care reaches the entire population, fundamentally in vulnerable people.

It is advisable to stay at home or in a cool, air-conditioned place. Faced with the need to fulfill tasks such as shopping, it is better to opt for the first hours of the day.

Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

The main problem of the heat wave is the dehydration it causes in the body. When you are thirsty it is because you have already reached dehydration, so you have to drink water since the air you breathe is dry, and the liquid compensates for it.

The effects are more harmful for vulnerable people: both children and the elderly who have fewer water reserves in the body.

To avoid risks, the best solution is to drink before you feel thirsty and with a continuous rhythm. It is better to drink little by little and for this it is recommended to always have a bottle of water at hand. In addition, cooling the body can help the body more quickly regulate its temperature.

In turn, always, before certain symptoms, consult – without hesitation – the doctor.

Refrain from heavy meals

Digestion is a physical effort exerted by the body, even when it is at rest. If a very heavy meal is made, the body loses a lot of energy to process it.

That is why the Ministry of Health recommends consuming light foods that help recover the salts lost through perspiration, such as salads, fruits, vegetables or fresh juices.

The key is to have a varied diet and pay special attention to fresh foods such as fruit, with a high content of vitamins, carbohydrates and water.

Reduce consumption of caffeinated, sugary, and alcoholic beverages

Coffee and alcoholic beverages can be an enemy in the face of high temperatures or a heat wave.

Caffeine is a stimulant and speeds up metabolism and compared to sugar, the body has to get rid of the excess. These types of drinks generate energy wasting and can be a problem when the body also has to fight against the heat.

Something similar happens with alcohol, with a large caloric component that generates a dilation of the blood vessels. This decompensates the body and dehydrates, so after drinking beer thirst arises and it is necessary to drink water.

The Ministry of National Public Health recommends reducing the consumption of caffeinated, sugary and alcoholic beverages during the heat wave.

Avoid outdoor sports until evening

Sport is a great ally for physical health, but it can pose a risk in the face of high temperatures. That is why it is advisable to do sports at night or first thing in the day.

In general, the environments have cooled much more at dawn, the temperature will be predictably lower, while in the afternoon it is the moment in which the sun has just gone and the ground can still keep the heat.

highlights the importance of hydration before, during and after exercise.

Close the houses during the day and ventilate at night

Keeping the house cool is now a challenge. Blanco recommends closing windows and lowering blinds whenever possible during the day and ventilating at night.

Light clothes

The Ministry of Health advises wearing light, loose clothing that allows perspiration. The latter is very important since it is the human tissue that protects from the sun, and perspiration must be allowed to evaporate.

In addition, light colors reflect the sun's rays more and keep the body cooler by preventing heat from concentrating on clothing.

Always walk in the shade and wear a hat

If you go outside, the ideal would be to avoid areas where the sun shines directly. "You have to look for places with trees to walk, shade and prioritize that the efforts are less," says Blanco. The General College of Nursing recommends that the elderly avoid going outside to avoid being exposed to the sun. A hat or a cap can also be an option against the heat.

Showers with warm water

At the time of the shower it is preferable to opt for lukewarm water. “If you come from being at a temperature of 40 degrees and you get into very cold water, the thermal difference can cause an impact on the body. The skin constricts, the central circulation can give a peak of hypertension and can even generate cardiovascular accidents”, says Blanco. The result would be a hydrocution, which is popularly known as a digestion cut. The expert recommends gradually lowering the temperature of the water to reduce the impact of temperature.

Avoid air conditioning at very low temperature

Turning on the air conditioner can provide instant relief from extreme heat, but this option can come with risks.

It dries out the air and if you don't increase your water intake you can fall into dehydration.

The recommended temperature is 24 degrees.

In addition, the contrast of temperatures poses dangers for all organisms.

The whole skin dilates to thermoregulate, the blood goes to the skin and lowers the tension. Heat syncope and dizziness may occur.

The Red Cross recommends not using the fan if inside the house it exceeds 35º, because this device only moves the air, it does not cool it.

Do not leave people or pets in parked and closed vehicles

A closed car, exposed to sunlight and in the middle of a heat wave, becomes a "real oven". A report from the Argentine Association of Pediatrics reveals that with an outside temperature of 39º, the interior of the car heats up to more than 60ºC in just 15 minutes.

The Ministry of Public Health of the Nation recommends not leaving anyone in a parked and closed vehicle, especially minors, elderly people or people with chronic diseases. Nor to pets.

Consult the doctor in case of symptoms related to high temperatures

The Ministry of Health recommends going to a health center or hospital for symptoms that last for more than an hour and that may have been caused by high temperatures. Symptoms related to heat stroke are asthenia, fatigue that turns into malaise, dizziness, vomiting and even fever.

One of the most important signs is that you can stop sweating, which means that the body is not thermoregulating and it is a worrying picture.

Before the heat wave, take care!