Heat: SP records a 102% increase in health care – 09/22/2023 – Balance and Health

Medical care related to the effects of heat increased by 102% in the São Paulo state health network between January and September this year, compared to the same period last year.

There were 312 visits in 2023, compared to 154 in 2022, according to the Department of Health. The department also states that the state recorded five heat-related deaths this year, due to dehydration.

Medical attention should be sought when there are symptoms such as drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, persistent headaches resistant to analgesics, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting and seizures. Young children may present other physical signs, such as mild depression in the soft spot.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoid exposing yourself to the sun during the hottest hours, between 10am and 4pm. To avoid dehydration, the department recommends consuming at least 1.5 liters to 2 liters of water per day — which should be ingested throughout the day and not all at once.

Outside of normal conditions for the time of year, extreme heat can cause discomfort, discomfort and other changes in health, which require care. Breathing, skin, kidneys and heart are some of the areas of the body most affected by continuous heat, according to doctor Abrão Cury, from SBCM (Brazilian Society of Medical Clinics).

According to him, heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which reduces pressure and can lead to circulation overload. If accompanied by dry weather, it can also irritate the respiratory mucosa.

Furthermore, sweating naturally increases during hot periods, as a defense mechanism to cool the body, which, according to the doctor, causes loss of salts and can also cause dermatitis. The recommendation is to wear lighter clothes and stay hydrated.

“Another thing in the heat is that people think that alcoholic beverages serve as a moisturizer, but alcohol also makes people lose fluids,” says Cury.

Increased sweating and low water intake are also mainly responsible for the increased risk of kidney stone formation, experts say. The lack of water in the body makes it difficult to dilute urine, which increases the concentration of crystals in the body.

The heat puts at risk mainly the elderly, infants and people with cognitive disorders, who have a reduced ability to perceive or communicate thirst and regulate their own temperature.

São Paulo is experiencing a wave of high temperatures in the middle of winter — spring begins this Saturday (23). In the capital of São Paulo, this Friday (22) was the hottest day of the year, with a maximum of 34.7°C, according to Inmet (National Institute of Meteorology).

The high temperatures and dry climate made the state government recommend that schools in the network prioritize activities with little exposure to the sun and less intense exercises during physical education classes. The statement with the guidelines was sent this week to regional education boards.

Instead of physical exercise, the Department of Education recommends board and reasoning games, theoretical classes on sports and the study of cultural manifestations such as samba and hip-hop.

TIPS FOR STAYING WELL ON HOT DAYS

• Hydrate
• Do not replace water with alcoholic beverages
• Eat light, cold meals more times a day
• Prefer airy environments and avoid crowds
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, light clothing and sunscreen
• Use saline solution in the eyes and nostrils
• Do not exercise at times with the highest incidence of UV rays, from 11 am to 5 pm
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun as it can cause discomfort and heatstroke