A heatwave is sweeping across the country. This happens when warm air gets trapped in the atmosphere. Heat waves are natural occurrences which are becoming more and more frequent and intense. Many reasons have been cited for these, the most common being global warming.
With temperatures crossing 40° Celsius, this year is one of the hottest summers on record in Bangladesh. Such heat, accompanied by high humidity, poses serious health risks. Consequently, heat-related illnesses, e.g., heatstroke, syncope, dehydration, exhaustion, cramps, etc., are all on the rise. Until the environment cools down, we must be careful about our health. We can practice certain things to minimize the hazards of excessive heat.
Keeping ourselves hydrated is critical during this heat. It may vary from person to person, but on average, we must drink at least 3 litres of fluid daily to ensure proper hydration. Urine colour is an indication of hydration status. If it is dark yellow, this means the body needs more water. The best fluid we can have is water. Caffeine, sugary beverages, etc., should be avoided or limited. Electrolyte drinks, along with water, maybe a good option if there is heavy sweating to compensate for the mineral and salt loss.
Certain periods of the day may be excruciatingly hot. It is best to stay indoors during those times. While inside, many of us use fans to cool ourselves. However, they may not offer adequate comfort, especially when the temperature is 35° Celsius or more. Air conditions are a better option. If not possible, a cool shower may be an alternative.
Proper dressing choice is important during a heatwave, especially when going outside. Cotton clothes and loose-fitting garments of light colour are the best choices, as they will absorb the sweat more and reduce the risk of heat rash. These simple choices can make a significant difference in your comfort and health during a heatwave. Additional protection can be considered in the form of a hat, sunglass or umbrella. Also, sunscreens are crucial to protect our skin during the heatwave. There are many brands in the market. We should look for broad-spectrum products with ultraviolet light protection.
Many of us love to exercise. It is not impossible to continue to do it during heatwaves, but with caution. The intensity of the workout should not be beyond our tolerance level. If the exercise makes us breathless or causes chest pain, it must be stopped immediately.
Even with all the precautions, there is still an element of danger. Therefore, we need to identify symptoms of risk. If someone is feeling weak, lightheaded or suffers from loss of consciousness, then they should immediately go away from the sun into the shades.
Some people are more vulnerable than others. They include elderly over 65 years, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, young kids, overweight or obese people, patients with hypertension, heart problems or who are taking medications for insomnia, depression, circulatory disease, etc. Special attention must be paid to them. If there is any sign of danger, emergency help must be sought.
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