Recently, we notice a change of the weather and you are likely to have noticed that the climate has changed from being warm to quite hot.
To some this is good but not only is hot weather uncomfortable for many, the heat can also overpower the human body.
Doctors warn that the human body can face a meltdown when exposed to prolonged hot weather in this season and add that has we enter the hot season, our lifestyle changes should go deeper than just wearing lighter clothes to conquer the heat.
They note that apart from heat rashes which can be minimal, there are five main dangers that heat poses to our health. They include heat cramps, heat syncope or fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
However, in extreme circumstances, especially in the elderly, they add that hot weather can led to death.
For example, extreme heat causes an average of 688 deaths each year in the United States of America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Physicians say for one to understand the need to take precautions, one must also know how hot weather affects the body.
Consultant nutritionist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Dr, Bartholomew Brai, says that dehydration occurs frequently in hot weather because the body may find it difficult to quickly replace the water it’s losing to the atmosphere, as it used to in other weather.
Brai notes that dehydration as a result of poor water intake in this weather could lead to severe heat-related diseases.
The expert advises that drinking water in the hot weather is not just to quench thirst; it’s also a means to protect the body against these diseases.
According to him, water is an essential component of brain and metabolic processes in the body and it also serves as the medium through which blood and other nutrients are circulated throughout out the body.
Brai says, “Almost 60 per cent of the processes in the brain is controlled by water. It is water that carries fresh oxygen to the brain cells. Nutrients are brought to the brain through water. Nutrients are carried to other parts of the body through water. Most headaches and dizziness occur when the brain is not getting enough oxygen because there is no water in the body to take it there
“This occurs frequently when the weather is hot, because many are not aware that this is the period for them to drink more quantity of water. If the brain lacks water and you may faint, some other brain activity may be affected.”
Brai also warns that another major danger of heat is heat exhaustion which occurs when a person losses fluid and salt through perspiration.
“When the weather is hot, we lose fluid and salt through perspiration and the body temperature might rise if you don’t get fluid in the body quickly.
“This can cause dizziness, headaches and fainting again. In some cases victims, especially the elderly, should be hospitalised. The best defence is to take it easy and drink plenty of water.”
He adds that drinking water and staying in a cool environment would help the body refuel and restore lost electrolytes, which are necessary for muscle and other body functions.
The more severe condition that may occur from a hot weather, according to experts on mayoclinic.com, is heat stroke.
They warn that heatstroke could lead to lethargy, confusion and unconsciousness and even death in extremely hot weather.
“Heatstroke can kill. It is often accompanied by dry skin, a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Anybody that faints in a hot weather heat must be taken to the hospital to rule out this condition. They will need to take drips and be hospitalised to stabilise them.”They add.
While the heat can be dangerous, physicians and meteorologists on weatherblog give simple preventative rules you can follow to ensure that you and your family stay safe and cope with the heat.
Hydration
First, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in the heat you need to drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Protective clothing
Next, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, loose fitting and light coloured clothing. Sunscreen is important because if you get sunburn it affects your body’s ability to cool itself and actually causes loss of body fluids. If you must be outdoors try to be outside either in the morning or the evening hours.
You need to pace yourself, take frequent breaks, and try to find a shady place to rest. Of course the best way to avoid heat-related health issues is to stay indoors and soak up the air conditioning.
Please remember never to leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. There is no excuse for this. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes. Also, if possible bring your pets indoors. If that is not an option make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh, cool water.
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