| With this measure, which will last until September 15, the aim is to especially protect the most vulnerable population, such as the elderly, children, the chronically ill and pregnant women | The Ministry of Health has launched the campaign for the year 2020 of the National Plan of Preventive Actions of the effects of excess temperatures on health in the Region of Murcia. This plan, which will remain active until September 15, aims to prevent and reduce the negative effects of heat on health, especially in the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, the chronically ill, children and pregnant women, as well as people who work or sport abroad. Through these measures it is a matter of "making a call to attention to citizen prudence, in order to avoid situations derived from exposure to high temperatures that occur in the Region during the summer months," explained the director general of Public Health, José Carlos Vicente. Vicente insisted on "the" importance of adopting responsible behaviors to avoid heat strokes.
"For this, he recommended making light meals that help to replace the salts lost by sweat, such as salads, fruits, vegetables and juices; do not abuse drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as they can make you lose more body fluid, and stay as long as possible in cool places. Another tip from the General Directorate of Public Health is to reduce physical activity in the hottest hours, wear light, loose-fitting and perspiring clothing, and never leave anyone in a parked vehicle. It is also necessary to pay special attention to babies and young children, the elderly and people with diseases that can be aggravated by heat and dehydration, such as heart pathologies. Before symptoms that last more than an hour, a doctor should be consulted and it is necessary to keep the medicines in cool places because the heat can alter their composition and effects. Thermal Extremes Index With the imminent arrival of summer, the Ministry of Health sends the Daily Index of Thermal Extremes (IDET) daily, based on the maximum and minimum threshold temperatures established for the Region (34 ° C and 23 ° C) and which collects four indices of danger due to heat. The IDET is published on the web www.murciasalud.es and is sent from Monday to Friday by email to more than 80 recipients, including health centers, hospitals, municipalities, the Red Cross, Civil Protection and the media , among other organisms.