Burning Up! - Heatwaves and your Health

In the last couple of weeks Southern Africa has been experiencing extremely hot weather with temperatures as high as 44'C in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. It has affected everyday life and comfort and concerns for health safety have come up.

The Heat is On

Risks from hot weather include:

DEHYDRATION - Under normal circumstances the sweat we produce when we get hot keeps us cool when it evaporates from the surface of our skin. However, on extremely hot days, when we become dehydrated, or when we over-exert ourselves, this system can fail, and body temperature can start to climb to dangerous levels. This leads to heat stroke or exhaustion.

HEAT STROKE  - This can cause headaches, dizziness and muscle cramps, but it can also be life-threatening.
Heat stroke is particularly dangerous because symptoms can come on very rapidly, and - unless you are watching for the signs - with very little warning.

BURNING OF THE SKIN - Not only is sunburn painful, it can accelerate the ageing process, and increase the risk of skin cancer, including the potentially fatal form, melanoma.And yes, black people can get skin cancer too.


Treatment and Prevention

Drink lots of liquids: At least 8 glasses a day. Sip it, rather than gulp it down.Avoid alcohol and soda's. Alternative is fruit juice.

Modify your diet: Avoid hot, heavy food. Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.

Stay out of the sun: The best place to be on a blistering day is in the shade. The sun is at its most dangerous between 11am and 3pm.

Be sensible about exercise: Do not exercise vigorously during the hottest times of the day. Instead, run, jog or exercise closer to sunrise or sunset.  Rest if you feel faint or dizzy.

Keep cool: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate.
Dark, heavy clothes absorb heat, but remember that some thin materials do not provide a sufficient barrier to the sun's dangerous UV rays. It's also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed sunhat, preferably with vents.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Take a cool shower, bath or body wash: Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.

Ventilate your home: if the external temperature is close to or less than internal temperatures, all windows, and internal doors should be fully opened.

Use a fan or air conditioning if you have it. But turn off nonessential lights and electrical equipment as they generate heat.

Take special care of the vulnerable: Those most at risk from the sun include children under four, people over 65 whose bodies adapt more slowly to the change in temperature, overweight people whose bodies tend to retain heat more and people who are ill.


Child Safety 

 Babies are particularly vulnerable to heat as their sweat glands are not well-developed and they are less able to control their temperature. It's important not to wrap them up in blankets or heavy clothing when it's hot - but it's equally important to ensure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight. 

Children are most vulnerable in Heatwaves

 Warning signs of dehydration.

• Your child seems tired and lethargic
• Your child’s eyes look sunken and dark
• Your child is irritable or crying
• Your child has fewer wet nappies
• Your child has hot and dry skin or looks pale
• Your child’s tongue and mouth looks coated and dry
• Has a high temperature
• Vomits or has diarrhoea
• Is not eating or drinking.

If you notice one or more of these signs, take your child to a doctor or hospital.

Prevention

Offer frequent drinks to avoid dehydration

• Breastfeeding – if you are breastfeeding, feed your baby more often. Have plenty of fluids yourself, including a cool drink at every feed.
• Bottle feeding – if you are bottle feeding, offer extra cool boiled water after the bottle.
• Small children – give young children regular drinks during the day. Water is best.

Remember to keep children cool during the day with light-fitting clothing and a hat. Also when they sleep, ensure it is at the coolest place in the house. Avoid mattresses that sink in or leaving them in the pram. A nice trick is to hang wet towels around windows or chairs to cool the air. Never direct a fan towards the baby. Take extra care with sick babies in the hot weather. And Never leave a baby or child in a car, even in cool weather.