How hot in Santa Cruz!: Which people are most vulnerable to high temperatures?

Hot days in Santa Cruz. According to the reports of the Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi), the region endures extreme heat these last days of November, with temperatures that fluctuate between 40°C and a thermal sensation close to 45°C.

Within this panorama, it is important to remember that heElevated climatic temperatures produce more severe effects in some people. There are some individuals who are most vulnerable to heatsince your body, your activity or your health conditions limit your ability to cope with the weather.

The elderly, children and the chronically ill are particularly vulnerable to the risk of dehydration, aggravation of chronic diseases or even a heat stroke. Likewise, athletes and people who work outdoors are also more exposed to the effects of heat.

Two experts recommend that the population take precautions to prevent diseases.

Moisturizing, drinking plenty of water and natural fruit juices, is one of the tips that the dermatologist surgeon Gustavo Sauma recommends to people who necessarily have to work on the street, although the ideal is to try not to expose yourself to the sun between 9:30 and 16:00.

“If you are going out, wear a hat, good glasses that are certified to protect against ultraviolet rays, a cotton or polyester towel to cover the arm that is exposed to the sun in the case of carriers,” suggested the specialist..

The children, if they are very small, they are one of the most vulnerable populations to heat. This is because organisms younger people lose fluids faster. Therefore, they reach the point of dehydration with greater speed.

The pediatrician of the Children’s Hospital, Luis Carlos Bernachi, recommends paying attention to supplying an adequate amount of fluids, and asked parents to avoid medication without an expert prescription.

Bernachi warns against being satisfied with giving children only water to drink and recommends lto intake of rehydrating salts, because in extreme heat conditions you can lose up to 30% of liquids.

“You have to give rehydrating solutions, because when we sweat we also lose salts and the child runs the risk of suffering hypotonic dehydration, because he is not receiving the necessary amount of water due to the lost salts,” he adds.

Bernachi emphasizes that one of the main causes of death in children is dehydration and when they are exposed to extreme heat they are more susceptible to infections.

“We must not forget that on hot days there are many flies, which, if they settle in the food, can cause stomach infections accompanied by diarrhoea. In our environment, this is very common, especially for people who are used to eating food in public places”, says the doctor.

Bernachi recalled that both children and the elderly are at risk of dehydration. “both ends run similar risks, the child because he doesn’t know how to ask and the older adult because he doesn’t realize it. In the case of the elderly, it can to suffer a state of shock”adds the doctor.

Older adults sweat less than young people. For this reason, they tend to retain more body heat. If the environment is humid, sweating is further inhibited and there is increased risk of heat stroke.

Excessive heat causes arteries to dilate and promotes dehydration. Both factors affect negatively in the case of people who suffer from hypertension. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor to adjust medications in hot weather.

High temperatures also affect cardiovascular health. This effect is more serious in those who have previous problems. Heart failure limits the body’s ability to remove heat from the body. Therefore, there is a risk of an overload.

Those who do strenuous physical activities outdoors are also more vulnerable to heat, of course. Direct exposure to the sun makes them suffer the impact of high temperatures more rigorously. Both the exposure itself and the activity make them more prone to dehydration..

Precautions to take into account

– It is convenient for children to stay in the shade.

– Keep your home cool. This is especially important in homes where people over 60, children and the chronically ill reside.

– If you practice any sport, take advantage of the first hours of the morning and replenish fluids after physical activity.

– In the case of having to be exposed to heat for work reasons, it is advisable to alternate with rest periods in the shade and drink plenty of fluids.

In general, it is essential to avoid going out in the middle of the day, stay hydrated with water, stay in the shade and cool off regularly.

In the event of any unusual symptoms such as malaise, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, cramping sensation or excessive sweating, see your doctorespecially if you take medication.