Health Director-General guarantees the reliability of emergency hotlines in the upcoming days.
Extreme Heat Alert in Portugal: DGS Issues Guidelines for Public Health
Portugal is currently under an orange alert for extreme heat, with all districts of continental Portugal, except Faro, affected. The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has issued several guidelines to protect public health during this period.
The DGS advises everyone to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter hours of the day. This can be achieved by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Alcoholic, caffeinated, and soft drinks should be avoided, as they can exacerbate dehydration.
To beat the heat, the director-general recommends spending at least two to three hours a day in cool or air-conditioned environments with good air circulation and shade. During the hottest parts of the day, it's crucial to keep windows, blinds, and shutters closed.
The main risks during the extreme heat are concentrated among vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses. To help these groups, the DGS encourages everyone to avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
In addition, the DGS advises users in need to call the Health Line 24, which is operational and will respond to aid requests. The emergency lines in Portugal are also operational and will respond to aid requests related to extreme heat in the coming days.
The DGS has a plan in place for the critical period of extreme heat. The IPMA has placed all districts of continental Portugal, except Faro, under an orange alert due to high maximum temperature values. The orange alert is valid from 09:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.
The DGS emphasizes the importance of these protective measures to reduce heat-related illness and mortality. By following these guidelines, everyone can help ensure a safer and healthier summer.
Sources: 1. The Portugal News 2. Portugal Resident
- The extreme heat alert in Portugal highlights the importance of science and understanding climate patterns.
- Staying hydrated is crucial for workplace-wellness during such periods, as dehydration can impact productivity.
- chronic-diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular-health issues could exacerbate the effects of heat, putting individuals at higher risk.
- Cancer and respiratory-conditions, such as asthma, can also be aggravated by extreme heat, requiring additional caution.
- Digestive-health can be affected during hot weather, making it essential to maintain a balanced nutrition.
- Eye-health can be impacted by prolonged exposure to sunlight, so sunglasses are recommended.
- Hearing problems might arise from loud noises during festivals or events, urging vigilance in these conditions.
- For overall health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise routines should be modified according to the weather, ensuring they don't lead to exhaustion.
- Autoimmune-disorders might react differently to heat, necessitating close monitoring during extreme weather events.
- Mental-health issues could also be amplified during periods of high stress, like extreme heat alerts, needing attention and care.
- Mens-health includes prostate health and testicular health, which may require specific attention during extended heat waves.
- Skin-care is crucial to protect against sunburns and skin-conditions during extreme heat alerts.
- Therapies-and-treatments for various medical-conditions might need adjustments to cope with higher temperatures.
- The general-news, politics, crime-and-justice, and accidents may impact individuals' wellbeing during extreme heat periods, making it important to stay informed.
