Dealing with future heat waves

Seven of the 10 hottest years in our country were recorded in the last decade, according to the “Report on the state of the climate in Spain in 2021”, recently published by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). In fact, last year was one of the seven hottest on record on a global scale.

The report highlights the increase in temperatures recorded in Spain since the second half of the 19th century, which also occurred on a European and global scale, with different intensities. Furthermore, there has been an acceleration in recent decades and it is especially palpable in summer, with greater intensity and frequency of heat waves.

In fact, the heatwave recorded in mid-August – from the 11th to the 16th in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearics and from the 15th to the 19th in the Canaries – was the most intense in our country since 1975 and the third longest (36 provinces). During its journey, the record for the absolute maximum temperature measured in Spain was also broken: 47°C in Alcantarilla (Murcia) and up to 47.4°C in Montoro (Córdoba), the highest temperature ever measured in Spain.

This year, the first heat wave of the meteorological summer (not summer) is already the oldest since records exist, along with another from 41 years ago, and also the most intense in the last two decades.

And it won't be the last. These types of episodes affect our daily lives. We have more difficulty sleeping, even our sleep may not be deep, making it practically impossible to sleep eight hours.

We can also suffer from sunburn and our skin can show signs of dehydration. And if we live in an area with vegetation, mosquitoes can do whatever they want.

When hot flashes arrive, the first thing we think of is sunscreen and although they are important, there are also other precautions we should take into account.

To survive high temperatures, the best way to combat the heat without air conditioning and keep the house cool is by using blinds, shutters and awnings, and then, yes, ventilating the house first thing in the morning.

It is also essential to stay adequately hydrated. “75% of the body is made up of water, so we must keep hydration levels high. This is necessary internally, but also externally (skin, nails, eyes, hair...) and is fundamental for the proper functioning of the body”, says Reme Navarro, pharmacist, nutritionist and director of Business Strategy at Atida | Mipharma.

«Dehydration happens when we lose too much fluid or use more than we take in. This loss may or may not be accompanied by loss of electrolytes (mainly sodium and potassium). In these situations, the organs and cells do not have enough water and this prevents their normal functioning”, explains the pharmacist, who remembers that the body's water is responsible for “lubricating the joints, transporting oxygen and nutrients, eliminating toxins and waste, regulating the body temperature, controlling blood pressure and heart rate and producing saliva”, he explains.

“Dehydration – continues – begins with a slight sensation of thirst and dryness of the mucous membranes. And if electrolytes are not replenished and this state is maintained for a long time, death can occur.

Another tip for surviving such high temperatures is to opt for light and refreshing foods, as this type of food helps our body to be more efficient and resistant to heat.

And remember: heat and alcohol do not mix at all, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect, which can lead to circulatory problems.

It is also essential to choose cool clothes and try to protect yourself from the sun at all times. In other words, avoid going out at times when the sun is most intense and under no circumstances do sports at these times.

In addition to these recommendations, Atida I Mifarma recommends, in turn, some products to deal with these high temperatures.

«Melatonin is the best ally to recover your sleep cycles and make your body feel rested when you wake up. Therefore, melatonin gummies, such as Zzzquil natura, will help you sleep despite the high temperatures”, says Navarro.

As for external hydration, this is extremely important when our body is subject to high temperatures, which is why it is important to “opt for creams like Lipikar Baume that soothe and soothe dry skin”, recommends the director of Business Strategy at Atida | Mipharma.

And if you're one of the people who never forgets to put on sunscreen, remember to protect your lips too. “Your delicate skin deserves special treatment and the inclusion of products that protect it. Tropicania lip balm has SPF 15 and thanks to its content of aloe vera, vitamin E and vegetable oils it helps to regenerate and soften the lips, and the best thing is that it is waterproof”, says Navarro.

Finally, increased temperature, humidity and greenhouse gases favor the growth and proliferation of fungi, insects and pests.

This explains why “our skin during heat waves is more susceptible to mosquito bites. That's why it's important to protect yourself during the day and night. It is advisable to use repellents, such as Relec Fuerte Sensitive, which provide prolonged protection of up to seven hours”, advises pharmaceutical company Atida I Mifarma.

In short, a whole series of recommendations to be able to face the extreme temperatures that we will continue to have in our country, where summer has already been brought forward nine days per decade since the 1980s and the projections, despite being subject to uncertainties, are not leave doubts: the heat we are experiencing now will be nothing compared to what is to come.

The Atida I Mifarma window

► The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cream Baume, is a treatment that soothes and relieves itching and skin irritation caused by dryness. It is ideal for sensitive and atopic skin, as it helps restore the skin barrier and increases skin elasticity and smoothness. Furthermore, this cream suitable for the whole family prevents severe dryness from reappearing.

►The Strong Sensitive Relay It is a repellent spray suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and also offers high protection for around seven hours. With a pleasant fragrance, it is ideal both on the beach and in the countryside. However, you should wash your hands after use and use with caution on children under six years of age. Not recommended for children under two years of age.

►With a pleasant flavor of fresh fruits, jelly beans Zzzquil Natura with melatonin They will help you fall asleep and rest, even on tropical nights, thanks to chamomile, valerian and lavender. It also highlights its vitamin B6 content, which will help you fall asleep quickly without generating dependence or drowsiness when you wake up.

►The Tropicania lip balm has a protection factor of SPF15. Thanks to its content of aloe vera, vitamin E and vegetable oils, it helps to regenerate and soften the lips. In fact, it is especially indicated for the care of dry and dehydrated lips. And it is a great ally to keep them protected from external aggressions. Plus, it's waterproof.

Recommended purchase location: www.atida.com