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Recommendations
for the summer months
The Ministry of Health, Social Affairs and
Equality stresses the need to prevent the
effects of high temperatures on our health.
Since 2004, it has in place a protocol detai-
ling the measures to be taken by medical
services in the event of a heat wave.
The Spanish Drug and Medical Products
Agency (AEMPS) has also drafted a do-
cument on the proper use of drugs in the
event of a heat wave.
The National Health System has a key do-
cument detailing the problems caused by
exposure to extreme temperatures. Since
The consequences of prolonged sun-
bathing, jelly-fish stings, and spine injuries
due to diving, are some of the main health
risks associates with summer vacations.
At the beginning of the summer period in
Spain, the Ministry of Health, Social Affairs
and Equality reminds the population of
several recommendations to prevent, as
much as possible, these types of injuries.
Not diving in unfamiliar areas, avoiding
drinking alcohol before bathing, keeping a
1.
General recommendations for preven- tion and protection against high tem- peratures.2.
Protection against strong sunlight.3.
Prevention against accidents in the water.4.
Precaution against jelly-fish stings.General preventive and protective measures when the
temperature is high
close eyes on children when they bathe,,
not sunbathing in the middle of the days,
protecting the head and eyes, in particular,
using protective creams and washing jelly-
fish stings with salt water area among the
main recommendations for the summer
months.
the best defence is prevention, it stresses
a 10-point list of general recommendations
“Enjoy a healthy summer”:
1.
Drink water and liquids frequently,
even though you may not be thirsty
and regardless of your physical acti-
vity.
2.
Do not drink too many bevera-
ges with caffeine, alcohol, or large
amounts of sugar since these can
deplenish body liquids.
3.
Even though anybody can suffer
from heat-related problems, pay
special attention to babies and small
children, the elderly, or those who
have a disease that can get worse
with heat and dehydration, such as
cardiac pathologies.
4.
Remain as much as possible in fresh
places, in the shade or in air-condi-
tioned places and freshen up whe-
never you need it.
5.
Try to reduce physical activity and
avoid outdoor sports during the hot-
test hours (from noon to 5:00 p.m.)
6.
Wear light and loose clothing that
lets you perspire.
7.
Never leave anyone in a parked and
locked car (especially children, old
people, or those with a chronic ail-
ment).
8.
Go to your doctor if you notice
symptoms that last more than one
hour hat could be caused by high
temperatures.
9.
Keep your medication in a cool pla-
ce; heat could alter its composition
and effects.
10.
Prepare light meals that help reple-
nish the salt lost in perspiration (sa-
lads, fruits, vegetables, juices, etc.).
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