In the Altiplano de Granada and the area of Castril and Huescar, the heat in July and August can be very intense and by two o’clock it often feels as if someone has suddenly turned up the temperature, you can certainly understand why the Spanish take their siesta between 2 and 4. The heat here is very dry and unlike the coast humidity is not much of a problem. As we are quite high up, it also cools down considerably at night which allows for reasonably pleasant sleeping conditions. Because of its intensity it is worth taking precautions to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Make sure you take in lots of non-alcoholic fluids, wear a sun hat and if possible keep to the shade as much as possible.

Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses to much water and salt through sweat. Some of the signs are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, redness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and fainting. A cold sweat may occur and breathing can become fast and shallow. If untreated it may lead to heatstroke. It is important to drink cool, non-alcoholic drinks, take rest, even a cool shower and don’t over do it.

Heat or sun stroke can be life threatening and can cause permanent damage to internal organs and can result in death if not treated immediately. Treatment involves maintaining circulation and lowering body temperature as quickly as possible. There are many symptoms, in the early stages the skin becomes hot and dry as sweating usually stops. Breathing is rapid - enough to bring on hyperventilation, the body’s temperature and pulse rise quickly, other symptoms include muscle cramps and headaches, you may become confused and speech is incoherent, often violent behavior may occur. As it gets worse the sufferer may experience hallucinations as the body temperature increases, convulsions and finally losing consciousness.

The cause of heatstroke is exposure to high temperatures for a long period of time. You are more susceptible if you work outside or exercise for a long time without sufficient fluid intake. It can happen to anyone but older people and kids are more susceptible. Also if you are already ill, heatstroke may occur more easily. Wearing heavy and unsuitable clothing can also contribute.

If you think you or someone else has heatstroke seek medical attention immediately. The following are some first aid measures that can be used:- Get out of the sun and find a cooler location, loosen or remove clothing and if possible immerse the sufferer in cool water. If that is not possible try and cool with water or wrap in wet sheets, fanning for quick evaporation. Apply a cold compress - especially to the head, neck, armpits and groin. Do not give any medication to lower the fever. It is not advisable to give anything orally (even water) until the condition has been stabilized.

Another condition - Prickly heat, can cause much discomfort this time of year. It is a very itchy red skin rash, causing a prickling or burning sensation. Its medical term is miliaria. It normally occurs when you sweat excessively in hot or humid weather. Basically dead skin cells and bacteria block the sweat glands. This causes inflammation to the skin, with a red spotty rash that may blister, in severe cases salt crystals may form in the sweat gland ducts. If you are overweight or prone to sweating easily you are more susceptible. It is common where there is friction from clothing, but also on the hands, feet, under the arms and on your chest. Children can be affected more as their sweat glands are less developed. In babies the nappy region and skins folds are often problem areas.

Prickly heat can be treated with Calamine lotion, natural oatmeal based creams can be soothing, Anti-histamine creams or medications may relieve the itch. Avoid excessive heat and humidity, try and keep cool, wear loose cotton clothing, this helps the evaporation of sweat and helps prevents further irritation. Keep your showers and baths cool. In severe forms, however, prickly heat can interfere with the body's heat-regulating mechanism and cause fever and heat exhaustion.