During the summer, temperatures rise and the heat can turn into a nightmare; It is indispensable to take measures to be able to relieve it and not suffer a heat stroke or dehydrate us. Both inside and outside the home, we must carry out some actions that will help us reduce the heat and make the warm days more bearable.
1. The heat affects the entire population, but not all equally. There are certain risk groups that must take greater precautions: seniors, children, people who do physical work, patients and people who take many medications.
2. One of the main ways to combat heat is to drink lots of fluids, especially water, but it can also be reinforced with natural juices, milk, etc. It is important to avoid dehydration, drinking constantly and before you are thirsty. You can also see here some recommendations to keep children hydrated in summer.
3. Avoid leaving home and doing physical activities during the hours of greatest sunshine (central hours of the day: from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.). In case you have to, you should wear light clothing and light colors; Shoes that allow your feet to perspire; And it is recommended to protect the head with caps, hats … and wear sunglasses. This will help prevent heat stroke or heatstroke.
4. At home, you must prevent the heat from entering the street: during the day, close doors and windows, lower the blinds and run the curtains (which can be should be light colored). At night, which tends to cool more, you should open to ventilate your home and try to run the air; To do this, opens opposing windows.
5. It will also be necessary that in your meals you choose fresh and light dishes, that will help you not feel heavy, nor will you suppose an excessive caloric intake. Some examples you can prepare are salads, creams, cold soups, shakes … although you can also see here the best recipes for the summer.
6. You can use air conditioners and fans to combat high temperatures. In the first case, you must make a rational use and turn it on only when it is really necessary and regulating the temperature between 24 and 26ºC. If on the contrary you are going to use a fan (whose consumption is much smaller), we recommend the ceiling ones as the hot air rises and the cold low. It is important to carry out a correct maintenance of the air conditioning, for example cleaning the filters.
7. Appliances and other electronic devices are a source of heat by themselves, so you must disconnect everything that you are not using. As well as it is recommended not to cook or to wash clothes during the hours of more heat, since we will generate more humidity in the environment and, therefore, will increase the sensation of heat.
TIPS:
- During hot days, special attention should be given to the most at risk groups.
- Hydrate yourself a lot, drinking liquids and taking showers.