Battling the heat
We are well into the rainy season, yet some persons have been asking whether this makes any difference, since the wet and dry seasons all seem to be muddled of late. Of great concern has been the enveloping heat, which sadly, you nor I, have any control over.
We have had some very strong winds over the last few days and some intermittent cooling breezes, but on a whole, it seems that you have to work to stay hydrated and wear layers that can peel off and put back on at a moment’s notice, when travelling to and fro. I guess we are all aware that climate change has a lot to do with what we are experiencing at the moment.
That said however, extremely hot weather can pose some health concerns, especially for persons who may be deemed to be in the “vulnerable category". I recall experiencing a heat wave in England back a few years back. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced, even as one who lives in the tropics. The Government at the time had to issue a number of advisories to persons there, urging them to look out for the elderly and young children, to ensure that they were protected as much as possible from the heat and were also well hydrated. There were a few cases of heat stroke amongst the elderly especially, while those on the more youthful side were battling cases of sunburn and heat
rash, because some relished the heat a bit too much.
I suppose we who live in a tropical climate do not relish basking in the sun until our skin blisters, but for those who come from a cold climate, I can see how they might get into a bit of trouble after staying in the sun or the great outdoors too long, aiming for a tan. Nevertheless, I do believe that we need to safeguard ourselves, when the great outdoors get “roasting hot” as Bajans like to say, because the heat can pose some danger, if we are not careful.
The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Whilst we cannot always take a swim, eat tubs of ice cream and run our fans and air conditioning units at every turn, we can still work to ensure that we do not develop any health problems caused by extreme heat. Consider a few of the tips below, for preventing heat-related illnesses.
Prevention Tips:
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: infants and young children; people aged 65 or older and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is extremely high, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
If you must be out in the heat:
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.