Health officials recommend paying attention to vulnerable people in the face of rising temperatures

The Regional Ministry of Health recommends taking extra precautions due to the high temperatures recorded in the Region of Murcia, and reminds everyone of the importance of paying closer attention to more vulnerable people such as children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Therefore, caution is urged to prevent and avoid situations arising from exposure to high temperatures, given the thermal situation expected in the coming days.

The Ministry reminds everyone of the importance of adopting responsible behaviors to avoid the harmful effects of the heat.

The high temperatures forecast for the coming days require special attention to be paid to babies and young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions whose health could be aggravated by the heat and dehydration, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and metabolic diseases. For those requiring ongoing medication, medicines should be kept in cool places, as the heat can alter their composition and effects.

One piece of advice that is particularly emphasized is to schedule sports activities for times of day with lower temperatures, such as early morning or late evening. Furthermore, when exercising, wear light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing.

It is recommended to stay in cool places as much as possible and eat light meals rich in fruits and vegetables, which help replenish the minerals lost through sweat. It is also advisable to avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and those containing large amounts of sugar, as these can lead to further fluid loss.

It is important to follow these tips to avoid heatstroke, the symptoms of which are varied and range from a fever over 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) to agitation, confusion, or loss of consciousness, feeling hot and/or flushed skin, or having rapid breathing and pulse. If any of these symptoms persist for more than an hour, it is crucial to contact a doctor immediately.

Thermal Extremes Index

Last June, the General Directorate of Public Health activated the 'Plan of Preventive Actions against the Effects of Excessive Temperatures on Health' in the Region of Murcia for 2023, which will be in effect until September 15. This plan aims to prevent and reduce the negative health effects of heat, especially among the most vulnerable groups and people who work or play sports outdoors.

With the arrival of summer, the Ministry of Health prepares and sends daily the Daily Index of Thermal Extremes (IDET) which is based on the maximum and minimum threshold temperatures established for the Region of Murcia (34º C and 23º C).

This is a temperature forecast that uses four heat hazard levels: green, yellow, orange, and red. The green level signifies no risk, an indicator used when it is predicted that threshold temperatures will not be exceeded on any of the next five consecutive days.

The IDET is published on the web www.murciasalud.es and is sent Monday through Friday by email to more than 80 recipients, including health centers, hospitals, town halls, the Red Cross, Civil Protection and media outlets, among others.