In view of the proximity of the largest Marian celebration in the country, the Hospital de Clínicas dependent on the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UNA, launches general recommendations for people who will make a pilgrimage to Villa Serrana, especially to take into account the use of masks in crowded places, due to the fact that the Ministry of Health announced the increase in cases of infection by Covid-19.
The doctor. Ramon Melo, head of residents of the Third Chair of Medical Clinic, pointed out the importance of good hydration, taking into account the high temperatures to which we are exposed these days. He also emphasized people suffering from diabetes and chronic metabolic diseases; emphasizing the importance of proper clothing and footwear, such as comfortable sports shoes.
Among the general recommendations, he suggested taking a good supply of water with them, especially those who will participate in the pilgrimage on foot, wear light clothes to avoid cases of heat stroke, as well as shoes that are comfortable enough to withstand the road to be traveled.
Among the specific indications -according to the type of pathology- he first cited hypertensives, whom he reminded to always take their medication, and have a medical evaluationespecially those who suffer from chronic diseases, be it heart failure, a history of heart attacks or who know that the pilgrimage could cause them some kind of discomfort. “Necessarily these patients must pass a prior evaluation that indicates that they are really fit to make the pilgrimage. Diabetic patients who are taking insulin should not forget to place their insulin and during the pilgrimage have the necessary food to help them maintain the levels of glycemia fit enough to withstand the journey. ANDIn the event that they have not carried out prior medical check-ups, the specialist recommended not exposing themselves to this type of activity”.
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In addition to the general recommendations, he cited the seasonal recommendations due to the increase in respiratory symptoms as covid and flu. Regarding the use of face masks, he said that it is not necessary to use it during the walk or pilgrimagebut yes in crowded places. “If the person is walking outdoors and without a crowd of people, they may be without a mask. Already in the Basilicathe absolute recommendation from the medical and epidemiological point of view is the strict use of maskssince as we know in these religious festivities the crowd of people is very important, so the recommendation will always be the use of masks ”, stressed.
High temperatures are conducive to generating decompensation due to heat stroke. In this sense, he recommended avoid walking as much as possible between 11 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, since at that time we have the highest peak of heat, causing the greatest number of complications in chronic patients. In addition to the importance of using the sunscreenas well as appropriate clothing and sports shoes for the walk. “The most recommended protection factors are factor 25 and above, and in people with very light complexions, factors of 40 and above are recommended.”
Hydration. On this point, Dr. Melo argued that sugary juices or carbonated drinks have high sugar content, which ends up producing relative dehydration in the body, which is why it is recommended to consume natural juices preferably with pulp or failing that, water. Regarding the tereré, he said that it is allowed as it is considered a source of liquid, but that the ideal would be the consumption of two liters of pure water.
Meanwhile, Ms. Rocío Arguello, nutritionist from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UNA and the Hospital de Clínicas said that it is essential bring a termite or bottle of water, better if it is mineral for better hydration and fresh foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Regarding food, he pointed out that during the pilgrimage it is not recommended to eat foods with a high fat content or preservatives, since these produce slower digestion and can hinder movement, so it is always recommended to bring fruits, vegetables or simple foods such as sandwiches. . Ideally, those who have a strict diet, comply with it to the letter and take with them the food they must consume.
“Must be be very careful with the intake of food in street stalls, avoiding eating foods of dubious origin, especially for hygiene, food handling and conservation of the cold chain, since that with these heats they easily break down and food poisoning arises. It is advisable to carry fruits, fruit salads or yogurt in thermal bags. And when it comes to hydrating ourselves, it is best to drink water, since tereré, although it is a good stimulant due to certain vitamins and minerals that the herb has, hydration par excellence always occurs with water”.
About him must (sugarcane-based drink) said that it is a culture and part of our tradition to drink must. “Most of us always put an emotional or sentimental charge on certain foods and of course consuming them takes us to certain moments in our lives that are important and many times, even though it is a food that is highly charged with energy, suddenly sharing at certain times is considered healthy too. So knowing that yes you can and from time to time drink it at some time of the year, nothing happens because it is pure energy, fuel”. However, he said that general recommendations cannot be given because everything depends on the health of the patient, but its consumption is totally allowed in healthy people.
Instead on the alcoholsaid its consumption is not recommended. “It is necessary to avoid the consumption of alcohol during the pilgrimage, because apart from causing dehydration, even less because of the very meaning that this religious festival represents.”
It is worth mentioning that during the festival of the Virgin of Caacupé, the General Assistance Directorate of the Hospital de Clínicas communicates to users and patients in general that care is guaranteed by the on-call system, next December 8, a national holiday.
The Emergency Services of the Hospital de Clínicas, both adults and pediatrics, will not be affected during the days before and on December 8, considering that they will work by guard system; as well as coverage for hospitalized patients in the various chairs and services is guaranteed. In the same way, the Intensive Care Units for adults, children, and neonatals will have the necessary care personnel, thus giving peace of mind to the families of patients hospitalized in said areas.
