Take care of your health during intense heat days.

ORANJESTAD - In light of the current heat wave affecting Aruba, the Department of Public Health (DVG) urges all residents and visitors to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their health.

Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work outside. Heat can cause fatigue, heat stroke, dehydration, and worsening of existing chronic diseases.

Helpful tips to protect yourself during hot days:

Drink plenty of water.

  • Keep your body hydrated: drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Avoid alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks with a lot of sugar; they can cause dehydration.

Keep your cool.

  • Stay indoors during the sunniest hours (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
  • Use ventilation (fan) or air conditioning if available.
  • Take cold showers to lower your body temperature.

Wear light-colored clothing.

  • Wear loose, light-colored, light-weave clothing.
  • Wear a hat
  • Remember to wear sunglasses when you are outside.

Protect your skin.

  • Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and repeat application every two hours.

Look out for vulnerable people.

  • Make regular contact with elderly parents, neighbors, and family members with illness.
  • NEVER leave children, people, or pets in a closed car, even for a short time.

Limit physical exertions.

  • Avoid doing physical work during the hottest hour.
  • If necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water constantly.
  • Avoid outdoor sports during peak hours.
  • Extreme heat exhaustion: too much soda, hot skin, dizziness, stomach upset, headache.
  • Sunburn (Emergency): high body temperature, disorientation, loss of consciousness, dry skin without sweating.

In the event of suspected heat stroke, it is essential to call 911 without delay.

Stay informed.

Follow weather bulletins and official information via government or Department of Public Health channels. We ask everyone to take care of themselves and one another. By implementing preventive measures, we can avoid many issues and enjoy a safe summer season.

For more information, like us on Facebook at Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, follow us on Instagram at directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, visit our website www.dvg.aw, call us at 5224200, or email us at servicio@dvg.aw. 
 

Heat wave