In the current health context, with the high temperatures and the announced heat wave, risks to the health of citizens are indeed present. Heat stroke, dehydration… they are different according to age and the activities practiced.
The risks exist for health when three conditions are met, heat, temperature not falling, or very little, during the night, and when this continues over several days. To this end, the General Directorate of Civil Protection in Morocco has never ceased to alert citizens and residents to certain points due to the increase in temperatures. This is the case now and over the next few days when temperatures will fluctuate between 47 and 50 degrees in many parts of the Kingdom.
Also, a “special care” is recommended for people who are most vulnerable to heat waves, such as those over 65, infants and children, especially those under 4, people who are bedridden or in wheelchairs, people suffering from chronic or acute illnesses, in short, those in very precarious situations and those unaware of the danger.
For the first category, high heat can have consequences on their health. Depending on age, the body does not react in the same way to high heat. When one is old, the body perspires little and it therefore has difficulty in maintaining itself at 37° and the body temperature can increase at the risk of heat stroke (hyperthermia – temperature above 40° with altered consciousness) which can be fatal. It is recommended to constantly hydrate despite the absence of the feeling of thirst.
In children, and even in adults, the body sweats a lot to keep itself at the right temperature. Water loss is significant and increases the risk of dehydration. Hence these recommendations, drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day, do not hesitate to take water in solid form by consuming fruits (melon, watermelon, plums, grapes, citrus fruits) or even gelled water. Do not consume alcohol or drinks with a high caffeine content, whose diuretic action tends to aggravate dehydration. Eat normally even if you don’t feel hungry and of course do not go out during the hottest hours of the day (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and protect your head from the sun if you have to go out and avoid physical exertion intense (sports, gardening, DIY, etc.).
With regard to travel and the period is favorable, it is also recommended to motorists and the National Civil Protection would not deny it, to evacuate vehicles, gaseous materials, soft drinks, perfumes and batteries (batteries), to lower the windows a little to ventilate the passenger compartment, not to have the fuel tank of the car completely full, and in which case only fill it up in the evening, not to inflate the tires too much when you travel especially Overweight. With regard to domestic accidents, special vigilance will be required, especially for crawling animals and other rodents looking for freshness, and which invest homes (farms, houses, etc.).
In these hot weather, it is better to also turn off the water heaters and keep your home cool (close windows and shutters/blinds during the day, open in the evening and at night if it is cooler, as long as the outside temperature is higher to indoor temperature). Take regular baths and showers or moisten the body several times a day (mister, washcloth) while ensuring light ventilation.
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