Having lived through the status yellow - high temperature warning for Ireland over the last week, we have all been reminded of the need to manage heat properly.
Dr. Kathleen McDonnell, Public Health Specialist Registrar, Department of Public Health, West & NorthWest (Area F ) states that prolonged periods of exposure to high temperatures in the environment, without appropriate cooling measures, may result in heat related health impacts such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Excessive heat exposure due to heatwaves may precipitate a stroke, aggravate chronic lung conditions, heart conditions, kidney disorders, and mental illness. 1, 2, 3 Everyone is at risk of heat related health impacts during a heat wave. However, there are certain groups of people that may be at higher risk of heat related illness due to their age or other factors, such as:· People aged over 75 years of age· Infants and children· People with chronic diseases taking medications· Pregnant women· Outdoor and Manual Workers· Athletes.
The negative health impacts of heat exposure during a heat wave are largely preventable.
Here are some ways you can protect your health during a heat wave:
Keep yourself cool by drinking plenty of cold water and fluids throughout the day, avoid strenuous physical activity, wear light loose fitting cloths, avoid alcohol and caffeine, use light bed linen at night and cool showers and baths may keep you cool.
Keep your home cool by:· Closing windows facing the sun during the day, opening windows during the night and early morning may allow for cool air circulation in the home as temperatures are cooler during these times·
Air conditioning can help cool down your home· Hanging wet towels in a room, keeping plants and bowls of water in the house may cool down the room air· Electric fans may provide relief, but when the temperature is above 35 °C they may not prevent heat-related illness·
You can also turn off artificial lighting and as many electrical devices as possible, to reduce heat generation·
Moving to the coolest room in the house may help with cooling. Sleeping in the coolest room may support a good night’s sleep.
Dr. McDonnell advises, “If you go outside, seek shade from direct sunlight whenever possible. Wear sun protective clothing and eye ware such as wide brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection and long sleeved clothing.
Use broad spectrum UV-A/UV-B sunscreen with a sun protective factor of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children. Re-apply sunscreen regularly and limit time in the sun when Ultraviolet rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm.”
“Other measures you can take include checking on family, friends, and neighbours who spend much of their time alone - vulnerable people might need assistance on hot days. Do not leave children or animals alone in parked stationary vehicles.”
In the event of a heat related illness:· If one experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion such as: headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, excess thirst and/or loss of appetite after exposure to high temperatures, move to a cool place as soon as possible, measure body temperature and drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate·
If one can be cooled down within 30 minutes, it is not usually serious. If not, one may be developing a heat stroke and need emergency treatment· Some signs of heatstroke include: confusion, a fit (seizure ), shortness of breath and loss of consciousness
Consult a doctor or contact emergency services if symptoms persist and/or become more severe· While waiting for help, move the person to a cool place, put him or her in a horizontal position and elevate legs and hips, remove clothing and initiate external cooling, for example, by placing cold packs on the neck, axillae and groin, fanning continuously and spraying the skin with water at 25–30 °C.
Measure the body temperature. Do not give acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin ) or paracetamol. Position an unconscious person on his or her side. 4 #BeSummerReady #SunSmart
