WAYS TO COPE IN A HOT WEATHER

 


By: Bello Aishat


It goes without saying that it's been very hot for a while now in Nigeria. The sweltering heat sometimes coupled with the absence of electricity to power cooling devices can be frustrating.

Aside from sweating and general discomfort, the heat also has other complications like skin irritability (heat rashes), dehydration which basically means that the body loses water and some mild to severe illnesses such as heat cramps or heat strokes. It can also make symptoms worse for those with respiratory or heart-related conditions. This is because, according to Cardiomyopathy, the heart works harder to pump blood to the surface of the skin in order to assist with the cooling of the body.

In this period, the most vulnerable people are babies, people aged 75 and above, people with lungs, heart or kidney disease, drugs or alcohol addicts and those who spend most of their time outside.

Therefore, it is necessary in these times to take the steps below to reduce the effect of the heat on the body:

Stay hydrated; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water, take water as often as possible to make up for the one the body is losing and also to assist in cooling the body. Fruits with high water content such as cucumber, watermelon, grapes are also a great way to maintain hydration.

Engage in indoor activities; do not engage in outdoor activities that are not absolutely necessary, taking walks or playing sports when the sun is at its highest will put the body at a risk of heat stroke. If you need to travel a long distance, try to do it at a time where the heat is at its lowest.

Wear loose fitted and light coloured clothes; darker outfits absorb light and convert it to heat thereby, making you hotter than you should be. It is therefore advisable to wear clothes that are light and breathable to allow air to pass through easily and avoid heat conduction. Hats with ventilation are also advised for protection against the sun, lightweight bedspread and nightwears or sleeping naked is also recommended.

Take showers or cool baths; cool baths or showers can help to bring down the temperature of the body therefore take frequent cool showers when you can. You can also apply cool compress or cloth to the neck, armpits, wrist and groin to stem the effects of heat.

Keep your room cool; if you have the opportunity to use a fan, do so. Bringing down the temperature of your room is highly advised. Close windows that let sunlight into your room and avoid heavy or dark curtains, open windows when the weather is cooler to enhance ventilation.

In conclusion, watch out for the following signs in yourself or other people as it may be an indication of heat exhaustion, thirst, weakness, dizziness, profuse sweating, lack of coordination, nausea and vomiting. If you notice any of these or worse, do everything you can to keep yourself or the person cool, take frequent sips of water and rest in a cool area.

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