High heat can be unsafe for our health. Puerto Rico experiences high temperatures all year round, mainly during the summer. That is why taking care of ourselves, older adults, children, and pets is important. We must stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid long sun exposure to prevent health problems.
This is a list of the most common heat-linked illnesses:
- Sunburn – This is the most often occurring health issue and is caused due to overexposure to the sun without proper protection. It is easy to lose track of time while gardening, playing, or enjoying outdoor sports, and you may end up exposed to the sun for longer than planned without plenty of protection. Wearing sunscreen and a hat daily during the summer is most likely recommended. A short walk from the supermarket to the car can lead to sunburn. Sunburn can also lead to premature aging and getting tumors.
- Heat Exhaustion – You may not realize it, but when your body takes in more heat than it can handle, your inner temperature rises, leading to heat exhaustion. You may feel nausea, dizziness, headaches, disorientation, high thirst, and dry skin. Pets can also suffer from heat exhaustion, so make sure they have access to fresh water at all times and stay in the shade.
- Skin Health Issues – High heat and moisture trapped in skin folds can lead to yeast or allergic reactions.
- Viral Diarrhea – Some viruses become more widespread in the heat, causing symptoms such as acute diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
- Dehydration – This occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in, leaving your body without enough water to perform its normal functions. If you do not replace the lost fluids, dehydration sets in. It is important to raise your water intake, mainly during the summer. Dehydration can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, disorientation, thirst, and dry skin. It can be aggravated by health problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Vaginal Yeast Infections – This topic is important because it is common to stay in wet or sweaty clothes, often tight or not made of cotton, after spending time at the beach.
Also heat-linked illnesses, there are other ailments that can change during the summer season due to lifestyle habits. For example, allergic rhinitis can be caused by exposure to pollution, pollen, or animals. Ear infections can also happen due to moisture buildup from going to the beach or swimming.
Do not underestimate the heat. Stay on top of it and handle it effectively. Drink plenty of water, use wet towels to help release body heat, and protect yourself from the sun by wearing proper clothing and hats. If you become dehydrated or have harsh symptoms of heat exhaustion, talk to your doctor.
TSS-MKT-5541-2024-B
