- The fourth heat wave in Mexico officially began on July 1, 2023.
- This phenomenon generates an effect on the human body related to excessive sweating and massive fluid loss.
- All people are exposed, but the most vulnerable are the populations of young children and the elderly.
The fourth heat wave has already begun in Mexico, although its impact has not yet been fully felt. According to UNAM, this phenomenon began on July 1 and is expected to continue for at least a couple of weeks. That is why the most important thing now is not to underestimate extreme heat because it can cause a strong impact on health and even be fatal.
To begin with, a heat wave is classified as a sustained period of extremely high temperatures for a given region. The first three registered during 2023 in Mexico occurred in March, April and June. This phenomenon causes temperatures to exceed 35º C and in some cases have even reached 49º.
Although these events have a specific duration, weather events such as El Niñorelated to the warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, favor the conditions for the presence of more heat waves and their duration.
consequences of heat waves
Heat waves generate an effect on the human body, related to the excessive sweating and massive fluid loss; however, in some vulnerable populations its effects can be more severe.
Some of the population groups that have the greatest impact are the children and older adultspeople with certain physical and mental health conditions, and even those who spend more than 80% of their time inside physical spaces such as homes, hospitals, schools, and offices that are not adapted for high temperatures.
Tips against the fourth heat wave
1. Keep calm and cool off
It is understandable that high temperatures have an emotional and health impact on people, so it is crucial to remain calm and focus efforts on finding ways to stay cool.
The heat generates excessive sweating and facilitates dehydration. The first tip for heat waves is to stay hydrated, this is important to avoid any health problems. Wearing light and easily perspirable clothing helps to maintain a feeling of freshness.
If you must leave the house, avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours and take advantage of the natural shadows in your environment. Another recommendation for the heat wave is to find places that have air conditioning, such as shopping centers, cinemas, or restaurants, where you can clear your mind and rest from the heat.
2. Adapt your home for a fresh space
Another tip is to transform your home to mitigate the effects of high temperatures. Having an air conditioning system for your home is undoubtedly the ideal option. You must ensure that these air conditioners have a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating. In this way you can improve your comfort and stay cooler constantly, reducing the impact on the environment.
Take advantage of natural ventilation by creating cross drafts, that is, open windows and doors on opposite sides of your home to allow air to circulate and cool the spaces.
Another of the recommendations for the heat wave is to avoid the use of electrical appliances that generate heat, such as ovens. Whenever possible, use LED light bulbs instead of incandescent ones, as they generate less heat. Also, remember to turn off the lights when you don’t need them to prevent them from contributing to the increase in temperature.
3. Maintain healthy habits to beat the heat
To avoid dehydration it is important to drink enough water, even if you are not thirsty. In the same way, it is just as important to avoid any other method of dehydration, such as the consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, since these are diuretic beverages. Instead, opt for drinks that help replenish lost electrolytes.
Another tip for the fourth heat wave is to include in your diet foods with a high amount of water such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, pineapple or strawberries, since they contain water, vitamins and minerals that will help keep you fresh.
4. Build a fresher and more sustainable future
Since the 1960s, there has been a constant increase in global average temperature, due to excess carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The World Meteorological Organization established that at least one of the years between 2023 and 2026 will supersede 2016 as the warmest year ever recorded, where a temperature of 1°C above the world average was reached. The increase in this period is expected to be between 1.2 and 1.3°C.
Also read:
Heat waves cause the death of a retired nurse: She could not stand the extreme heat
Heat waves: Doctors publish protection recommendations
Climate change must change the training of nurses: How should their preparation be for the future?