Portugal and Spain issue health advice for summer outdoor exercise

Health experts in Portugal warn that exercising outdoors in high summer temperatures can overwhelm the body's thermoregulation. Gonçalo Vilhena de Mendonça of the University of Lisbon and physician Paulo Santos of the University of Porto explain that hot, humid conditions reduce sweat evaporation, leading to dehydration, elevated core temperature and risk of heat‑related illness. They recommend avoiding the hottest hours, checking a combined temperature‑humidity index (risk rises above 28 °C) and UV index, staying well hydrated and wearing breathable clothing.

In Spain, dermatologist Ana Molina advises that the same heat and sweat can trigger mechanical acne on the skin. She suggests showering immediately after training, changing out of damp clothing, gently cleaning the skin, using breathable technical fabrics, and regularly washing workout gear and accessories to prevent bacterial buildup.