Searing temperatures exceeding 51 degrees Celsius in UAE: Strategies to prevent heat stroke and summer ailments
In the sweltering summer months of the UAE, temperatures often exceed 51°C, posing significant health risks for residents. To prioritize health and safety, it's crucial to follow several key precautions.
Staying Hydrated
Residents are advised to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of fluids daily, including coconut water and oral rehydration solutions. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and athletes.
Sun Protection
To protect eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses are a must, especially for those working outdoors. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and hats, using sunscreen, and taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas are essential.
Limiting Direct Heat Exposure
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours (12 pm to 3 pm). This is crucial for everyone, but especially for those who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as asthma patients, the elderly, children, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and those with respiratory diseases.
Preparing for Heat Emergencies
During extreme heat phases like Al Mirzam (late July to early August), awareness of symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke is vital. In case of heatstroke, immediate actions include moving the person to a cool place, removing excess clothing, applying cold compresses on head, neck, and armpits, using a fan, and helping them hydrate if possible, while calling emergency services.
Dust Storms
Dust storms pose additional health risks due to the presence of pollutants and irritants. Limiting outdoor activities during dust storms can help prevent several health issues and adverse effects on the respiratory system. Wearing an N95 mask is advised when going outside during dust storms.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are more susceptible to heat waves and should wear light, sweat-absorbing clothes, avoid exercising during the day, use sunscreen, minimize sun exposure, eat water-rich fruits and vegetables, and get eight hours of sleep at night in a cool room.
Preparation is Key
Preparation is key to staying safe during heatwaves. Residents should monitor the weather forecast, use fans and air conditioners, keep a home first aid kit, stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing, and carry water.
Minimizing Heat-Related Risks
To minimize heat-related risks, residents should wear breathable clothing, avoid peak daytime heat, hydrate, use sunscreen, eat fruits and vegetables, and stay active with 150 minutes of exercise during favorable weather conditions.
Awareness of Symptoms
Early symptoms of heat-related health issues include dehydration, excessive sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, blisters or rash, nosebleeds, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat and breathing.
UV Exposure and Eye Health
UV exposure during dust storms can contribute to eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Maintenance of Vehicles
For those traveling by road, ensure vehicles are properly maintained before trips, with special attention to engine cooling systems, tires, brakes, and lights, to avoid breakdowns or accidents exacerbated by high temperatures.
Staying Informed
Residents should regularly check weather updates to prepare for dust storms and know which essentials to bring and which activities to avoid.
Adhering to Prescribed Medication Schedules
Dust storms can aggravate current health conditions, making it important to adhere to prescribed medication schedules.
By following these guidelines, residents can enjoy a safer and healthier summer in the UAE.
- To maintain good health and wellness during sweltering conditions, it's essential to prioritize hydration by consuming at least 3 to 4 liters of fluids daily, which includes coconut water and oral rehydration solutions.
- In the UAE's summer, business owners and employees working outdoors should ensure they protect their eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses.
- People engaged in news gathering, sports reporting, or outdoor activities should also wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and hats, use sunscreen, and take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to avoid heat-related illnesses.
- To stay updated on weather conditions that might pose health risks, residents should regularly check news channels for updates on climatic changes, weather patterns, and any potential dust storms.
- In line with the growing health and fitness trends, residents can prioritize mental health by getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, maintaining a balanced diet with proper nutrition, and engaging in therapies and treatments like meditation, yoga, or stress-relief exercises for environmental-science based environmental stress management.
- For those involved in the fitness-and-exercise industry, offering advice on skin-care regimens and recommending safe, enjoyable workouts during cooler hours could help mitigate risks associated with heat exposure.
- Residents interested in lifestyle improvements might also benefit from weight-management and weight-loss programs, ensuring a healthier lifestyle and reduced risk of heat-related health issues.
- To stay healthy during the dust storms, residents should consider following a skin-care routine with suitable moisturizers and sunscreens to maintain their skin's integrity and barrier function.
- In today's environmental-science focused world, it is important to consider the potential impact of climate change on health and well-being through initiatives like reducing carbon footprint, promoting energy-efficient lifestyles, and adopting eco-friendly habits.
- Following a healthy lifestyle not only improves physical well-being but also contributes to a productive work environment, with the promotion of workplace-wellness incentives and programs in various sectors, ensuring the overall wellness of employees.
