In the next few months people are going to be at serious risk of the heat waves. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe
Heat waves pose a major health risk to the city-dwellers and the coming years are about to witness a sharp rise in scorching summers, according to a study by Journal of Environmental Research Letters.
The dry spells after the rains are also going to be harsh as a prolonged heat-like condition will prevail thereafter. Urban cities will definitely face heat stress because of the densely built concrete areas where the heat-retaining asphalt, brick and concrete will create heat islands. As heat conditions prevail, even at nights, cooling of concrete and brick takes time, thus badly affecting sleep.
Heat islands: The increasing heat conditions create heat waves, which intensify the urban heat island effect. But this works in reverse too. Heat islands are also found to contribute towards heat waves. In any of these, there will be tremendous build up of heat energy in cities.
The human body, which is designed to maintain a core body temperature of 370C, will be badly affected. Body heat balance is determined by six fundamental factors — air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, air and wind movement, clothing and the metabolic heat generated by physical activity. When activity is high in a hot working environment, the workers are at the risk of increased body temperature which goes above 380C.
Dr Rahul Agarwal, senior consultant general physician with Maxcure Hospitals, explains, “Heat exhaustion causes dehydration and kidney diseases. Reduced night time cooling creates general discomfort where the body is not sleeping in a natural environment.” People who suffer from heat stroke complain of weakness, lethargy, nausea and dizziness. In senior citizens, heat stroke is found to be subtle and non-specific in nature. Dr Agarwal explained, “In senior citizens, we have found altered behaviour, slurred speech, irritability, agitation, delirium, seizures and coma.”
High risk groups need to take care: The ability of a human being to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of the central nervous system. In children, the nervous system is not fully developed and in senior citizens, it begins to deteriorate.
In both conditions, the body’s ability to cope with outside temperature changes. Therefore, both the age-groups are at high risk and require to be hydrated.
Similarly, the body adjusts to weather change, but extreme conditions demand caution as even body has a limit.
Dr Sandeep Ghanta, consultant physician, Citizens Hospital, explains, “Certain chronic health conditions like heart and lung disease increase the risk of heat stroke. Similarly, medications like beta blockers, psychiatric drugs and stimulants are found to make one more vulnerable. Patients have to exercise caution and not be in direct sunlight at noon. These days, climate changes have resulted in extreme temperatures even during the dry spell. This has created a dangerous trend of heat exhaustion, dehydration and has also increased the spate of different types of fevers.”
Precautions to avoid heat stroke: When the heat index is high, it’s best to stay indoors. You can also prevent heat stroke by taking these steps:
- Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day.
- Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
- Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors.
- If possible, shift your time outdoors to the coolest times of the day.
Heat stress & human body
- High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (400C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental behaviour — Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma.
- Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke — brought on by hot weather — your skin will feel hot and dry.
- Nausea and vomiting. You might feel sick to your stomach and vomit.
- Flushed skin. Your skin might turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Your breathing might become rapid and shallow.
- Heat stress places a tremendous burden on heart, therefore, your pulse might significantly increase.
- Your head might have throbbing pain.
