Be warned against effects of hot weather

ISAAC PINIELO
Correspondent | Thursday November 18, 2010 00:00

The Department of Meteorological Services recently predicted that temperatures would remain high through to the middle of this month, reaching a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

Health experts have warned that high temperatures could be detrimental to health, noting that during hot days, people are prone to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  They have advised people to prevent these illnesses by staying cool. According to Dr Carlos Frosabal of Tati River Clinic in Francistown, heat related illnesses often occur when one's body cannot keep itself cool. He indicated that as the temperature rises, the body stays cool when the sweat evaporates.

'On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill,' he said. He noted that the heat index tells one how hot it feels outside in the shade and that it is not the same as the outside temperature. He also explained that the heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature.

'When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value is even higher. A heat index of 90¡F or above is dangerous,' warned Frosabal, adding that heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot. He said it can be caused by physical exercise or hot weather.

He also said that a person may experience heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heartbeat and dark-coloured urine, which indicates dehydration

'If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a building that has air-conditioning. If you can't get inside, find a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (such as soda). These can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool water to your skin. Take off any tight or unnecessary clothing,' the doctor suggested.

Frosabal went on to note that if one does not feel better within 30 minutes, they should contact the doctor, indicating that if heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heat stroke.

He also said people should protect themselves from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella. He advised the use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.

'Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity.  Drink extra water all day. Keep in mind that heat-related illnesses are not only caused by high temperatures and a loss of fluids, but also a lack of salt in the body. Some sports drinks can help replenish the salt in your body lost through sweating,' he said. Another precaution, he added, is that people should drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine such as tea, coffee and soda or alcohol.

'Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler times of the day, before 10am and after 6pm. During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids. Dark-coloured urine is an indication that you're dehydrated,' he said.

For people who have chronic medical problems, Dr frosabal said they must ask their doctor about how to deal with the heat.

He pointed out that children and old people are more sensitive to the heat, noting that anyone can be affected by heat-related illnesses.

He also stated that mortality could be high if people are not ready or prepared for the hot weather.  'In Europe, mortality due to heat related illnesses this year was high,' he revealed.

Dr Frosabal also warned people to be wary of some medicines that affect the way the  body reacts to heat. He said some of these medicines include allergy medicines like antihistamines, some blood pressure and heart medicines such as beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors and diet pills and illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines and laxatives. The same applies to some medicines that treat mental health conditions like antidepressants and anti-psychotics, seizure medicines usually called anticonvulsants and water pills or diuretics.

'Tell your doctor what medicines you are taking. He or she can tell you if your medicine puts you in danger of heatstroke,' he concluded.