How to protect from extreme heat: 9 practical tips that save lives

Home Health How to protect from extreme heat: 9 practical tips that save lives
Health
March 15, 2025March 15, 2025By Mario Vásquez
How to protect from extreme heat: 9 practical tips that save lives


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Health and family

How to protect from extreme heat: 9 practical tips that save lives

Guatemala has begun to experience intense heats, a climate that will continue for the coming months. Know how to prevent high temperatures from affecting your health.

Belinda S. Martínez

March 15, 2025

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12: 00h

The man drinks extreme heat water, the thermometer on summer day shows or indicates a high degree of temperature with the sun at the bottom.

Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat blows and failures in vital organs. (Free Press Photo: Shuttersock)

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When temperatures reach high levels, The human body can suffer severe consequencesas dehydration, Heat blows and even failures in vital organs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Heat waves constitute one of the most dangerous climatic threats, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and people with chronic diseases.

In Guatemala, temperatures have begun to intensify, a phenomenon that will continue during the next months.

During heat seasons, the body loses fluids through sweat, and if these are not replenished, an electrolytic imbalance that affects the functioning of organs such as the heart and the kidneys can be triggered. Therefore, adequate food and constant hydration They are key to counteract the effects of high temperatures.

It is essential to adopt measures to prevent heat from affecting the organism.

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Dr. Madelaine Milagro Castellanos, of the General Hospital of Diseases of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS), explains that LDehydration and heat stroke are the main risks. “Its symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, headache and, in severe cases, fainting or accumulation of limb fluid,” he says.

According to Castellanos, if these conditions are not treated in a timely manner, they can be mortal.

“The heat blow occurs when the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature, which can damage vital organs such as the heart and kidneys,” he adds. Symptoms include high body temperature, accelerated breathing, fainting, nausea and vomiting.

Dehydration, meanwhile, manifests itself with intense thirst, dry mouth and fatigue. In severe cases, it can trigger a hypovolemic shock state, critical condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The heat blow occurs when the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature and can damage vital organs if it is not treated in time. (Free Press Photo: Shuttersock)

Measures to extreme heat

Andrés Lemus, from the Guatemalan Red Cross, recommends the following measures before an extreme heat episode:

  1. Hydrate frequently, avoiding sugary or alcoholic beverages
  2. Wear light, long -sleeved clothes and light colors to protect yourself from the sun
  3. Stay in fresh and shadow places, especially in the greatest heat
  4. Avoid intense physical activity under the sun
  5. Consume fresh and rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables
  6. Use sunscreen and dark glasses to protect skin and eyes
  7. Pay attention to vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases
  8. Be attentive to meteorological forecasts and follow the recommendations of the authorities
  9. In case of emergency, call relief bodies

If you work outdoors or are exposed directly to the sun, the voluntary firefighter Óscar Sánchez suggests, in addition:

  1. Protect yourself with caps or hats
  2. Hydrate with drinks that replenish electrolytes, such as oral sera or salt water
  3. Take frequent shadow breaks

In case of emergency, contact relief bodies. Extreme heat is a silent enemy, but with adequate measures, it is possible to protect and care for others.

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