Long live the summer! But, do not forget, the heat is not harmless. Prolonged exposure to heat in a closed, overheated place and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause a heat stroke or heat stroke. Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can be fatal, but it is completely preventable if preventive measures are taken. Follow these tips to protect yourself from the sun, whether you are a child or an adult. Respect the hours of sun exposure avoiding sun exposure, especially at times when the sun is intense, between 11 am and 5 pm; Wear light clothes, hat and sunglasses; Use body and lip sunscreen with a high UV protection factor (30 or more). You should put on the protector 30 minutes before leaving the house and renew it every 2 hours and whenever you shower; Stay hydrated by drinking water. Avoid soft drinks and alcohol. Eat light foods, such as vegetables, fruits and vegetables; Shower more often, but avoid sudden changes in temperature; Avoid physical activities outdoors, especially while it is very hot; Look for shade or cool places or, if possible, use air-conditioned places. Among people most at risk of heat stroke the following stand out: Children (particularly in the first years of life); Seniors; People with chronic diseases (cardiovascular, lung, kidney, diabetes, alcoholism, obesity, bedridden or mental health problems); Workers exposed to high ambient temperature or heat released by machines; Practitioners of intense physical exercise in the hours of greatest heat; Taking certain medications that may affect your ability to hydrate and respond to heat (in particular, neuroleptics and antidepressants). Warning signs Keep an eye out for the following warning signs: Excessive thirst; Feeling very hot, but not sweating; Weakness and / or fatigue; Very dry and warm skin; Body temperature above 40 o C; Muscle cramps; Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; Dizziness, vertigo, headache or convulsions; Modification of usual behavior, in extreme cases lose consciousness. Sometimes the heat stroke can be sudden, very fast and without previous warning signs. How to act in case of heat stroke? If there are signs of heat stroke, medical attention should be sought immediately in a hospital emergency service. Do not delay asking for help, as long-term treatment can result in complications in the brain, kidneys and heart. Meantime, you must do the following: Lay the person affected by the heat stroke in a ventilated and shaded place; Keep his head higher; Loosen his clothes; Cool him down by running water at room temperature all over his body, applying damp towels or spraying the body; If the person is conscious, give him fresh water to drink. Attention: If the person affected by the heat stroke is unconscious, he should not be given anything to drink and you must immediately activate the emergency medical services through number 112. Author : Liliana Beirão Meet the General and Family Medicine team of Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
