Water, the best antidote against UFFF in summer

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Yes, it's hot. Very hot. We are in summer and that's what's expected, everyone says. Agreed, but climate change is causing the generalization and persistence of high temperatures at this time of year, in Catalonia and in a good part of the world, even in areas of the planet where until now they had largely escaped the summer heatwave. In fact, it is already concluded that the effects of high summer temperatures can be considered as worrying as the impact of the flu in winter.

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Given this situation, the Generalitat responds with the campaign 'A summer without UFFF', which gathers a set of basic recommendations to alleviate this suffocating sensation when the thermometer soars. One of the basic tips reminds us of the importance of hydrating and, in this, drinking water is essential. In addition, ventilating and keeping homes cool, avoiding sports and outdoor efforts during the central hours of the day, and protecting oneself from the sun with sunscreen are other elementary recommendations to withstand the heat.

Specifically, regarding water, it is essential for life, because drinking allows all the processes of our organism to function properly. This is especially important in some situations and ages. In healthy adults, it is enough to drink when thirsty, but in children and elderly people, when suffering from some diseases, when practicing physical exercise or when environmental temperatures are high, more attention must be paid and consumption increased: from 1.5 to 2 liters a day, often and in small quantities, during and between meals. Logically, water is the best option among beverages and alcohol should be avoided. In addition, water is also present in many foods (fruits, vegetables, milk...), and following a healthy diet that contains water will facilitate the hydration of a human body that, let's remember, is 60% water.

THE HEALTH SYSTEM, PREPARED FOR HEAT COMPLICATIONS

One of the effects of excessive heat is dehydration, which can manifest with headache, dry mouth, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, heartburn, or tachycardia. In fact, if it complicates, it can lead to heatstroke, like the 65 cases registered last summer. If this occurs,the public health network is prepared. First, this summer the professional staff has been increased to reinforce primary and hospital care with up to 503 additional equivalent professionals, most of them for primary care teams. Second, as every summer, in hospitals the system allows responding to any activity, adapting to the assistance needs that arise to guarantee an adequate and flexible response at all times. Finally, the Medical Emergencies System (SEM) has this summer 25 additional basic and advanced life support units, which expand coverage in coastal areas, where the population significantly increases in summer.

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