Tips to stay healthy during the heat wave

We have experienced a compulsorily “imposed summer wave” in the first quarter of the year in the country, which has worsened with the recurrent power outages. We are gradually entering the rainy season but it’s still unbearably hot, especially in the afternoons. 

This heat wave has posed serious health risks for everyone, especially children and the elderly, such as dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and skin infections. These conditions can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly.

Some symptoms to watch out for include

1. Thirst, dry mouth, and reduced urine output
2. Headache, dizziness, and confusion
3. Muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue
4. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
5. Rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulty, and chest pain
6. High body temperature, red skin, and loss of consciousness

Exposure to excessive heat can also worsen existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and renal diseases, which are some of the top causes of death globally, according to the WHO.

The heat wave can also affect your mental health, as it can cause irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can also impair your cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and decision-making.

The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses is to avoid exposure to the sun and high temperatures as much as possible. Some of the recommended measures include:

1. Stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11 am and 4 pm
2. Use fans, air conditioners, or other cooling devices if available
3. Drink plenty of water and fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks
4. Wear light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing, preferably made of cotton or linen
5. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses, or use an umbrella to cover exposed skin when going outside
6. Seek shade and avoid strenuous activities when outdoors
7. Check on the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases who may be more vulnerable to the heat
8. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness.

Read up on other heat-related illnesses here.

To catch up on other health tips on our blog, click here.