Health calls to protect from heat

The Secretary of Health urges all to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent heat stroke

Guanajuato/Gto News

The Secretary of Health of Guanajuato urges everyone to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours, to prevent heat stroke.

Gabriel Cortes Alcala, Secretary of Health of Guanajuato, said that special attention should be paid to children under 5 years of age, as well as to adults over 60 years of age, as they are the most vulnerable groups and prone to dehydration due to high temperatures.

“They are the ones we must take the most care of; we need to keep them well hydrated. We should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or heat. We should also make sure they are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep their bodies well hydrated and balanced.”

“At the first sign of dehydration or heatstroke, you should go to the nearest People’s Health Center so that you can be treated promptly,” said Cortes.

The Secretary of Health said that doing physical activity outdoors is recommended only early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun has gone down, but during hot hours the call is to take shelter and stay well hydrated.

The high temperatures recorded in the State can represent a significant risk, especially for vulnerable groups that have greater difficulty regulating their body temperature.

Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, rising rapidly above 40 degrees Celsius.

The main symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Hot and dry skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, and even loss of consciousness

Furthermore, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dehydration, skin burns, physical exhaustion and worsening of chronic diseases, so it is essential to adopt preventive measures.

The Guanajuato Health Department recommends:

• Avoid sun exposure between 11 in the morning and 4 in the evening
• Wear light-colored, lightweight clothes
• Wear a cap, hat, or umbrela
• Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably fresh water, even if you are not thirsty

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