Intense heat days: Take good care of yourself and others

ORANJESTAD – During days of intense heat, we all need to take precautions. Extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but it can also affect our health and, in severe cases, lead to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.

Therefore, the Department of Public Health (DVG) is issuing a call to the community: protect yourself, but also look out for others, especially the most vulnerable.

CHILDREN AT SCHOOL

During the hottest hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, schools are advised to limit strenuous physical activities outdoors. Make sure children have access to plenty of water throughout the day and create opportunities for them to stay or do activities in a cool, shady place. Children do not always recognize or say when the heat is affecting them, so supervision is important.

ELDERLY PEOPLE

Older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related complications. Family members and caregivers, please check on them regularly. Make sure they drink enough water, wear light clothing, and stay in a cool environment during the hottest hours. Do not wait until they ask for water before offering them something to drink.

ANYONE WORKING OUTDOORS

Workers in construction, maintenance, and other outdoor professions are exposed to heat for many hours. Regularly drinking water, taking breaks in the shade or in a cool place, and protecting the head and body with appropriate clothing is therefore necessary. Look out for one another, colleagues, as confusion or changes in behavior can be a sign that the heat is severely affecting someone.

ATHLETES

Avoid workouts and strenuous physical activities between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It is best to train early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseous, get a headache, or feel too hot, stop the activity and find a cool place.

OUR ANIMALS FEEL THE HEAT TOO

Make sure animals always have access to fresh water and shade. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours and never leave an animal locked in a car, not even for a few minutes.

RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS

Excessive sweating, headache, dizziness, weakness, cramps, nausea, or vomiting can be signs that the heat is affecting the body.

  • Move the person out of the sun.
  • Take them to a cool place or into the shade.
  • Let the person rest and cool down.
  • Give them water slowly if they are fully conscious.

HEATSTROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY

If the person is confused or disoriented, loses consciousness, experiences extreme heat, or if their condition deteriorates rapidly, seek medical help immediately. While help is on the way, continue trying to lower the person's body temperature.

Intense heat is something we must take seriously. A little attention can prevent an emergency. Take good care of yourself, your family, look out for your colleague, your neighbor, and the most vulnerable around you.

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Intense heat days: Take good care of yourself and others