Stay healthy in the extreme heat
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) have urged people to be extra cautious as temperatures have soared.
When the temperature and humidity is high at the same time or when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, a human`s ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced.
In such instances, the real threat to one’s life is heat-related illnesses.
Children, the elderly, obese people and outdoor workers have a high risk of developing heat-related illnesses.
People taking certain medications or consuming alcohol are also at high risk.
Athletes in superb healthy conditions can also succumb to heat-related illnesses if they ignore the early warning signs.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) have urged people to be extra cautious as temperatures have soared.
According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, high temperatures are still anticipated due to Elnino weather patterns.
He offered the following tips to keep safe and healthy in extreme hot conditions:
• Drink plenty of water often, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don`t feel thirsty.
If you are on a fluids restrictive diet, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
• Rest and cool down in the shade during breaks.
• Lightweight, bright, loose fitting clothes reflect heat and sunlight away, and prevent heat absorption.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Don`t take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Spend more time in air conditioned places.
• Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, usually early morning or in the evening.
Heat Cramps:
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Sign and symptoms of Heat Cramp:
• Painful muscles cramps and spasm usually in legs and abdomen.
• Heavy sweating.
First Aid:
• Apply firm pressure on the cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.
• Have sips of cool water unless feeling nauseous, then stop having water.
Heat Exhaustion:
Signs and Symptoms:
• Heavy sweating.
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nauseas and vomiting.
• Fainting.
• Cool, pale and clammy skin.
• Fast and weak pulse (heart beat).
First Aid:
• Move person to a cooler environment.
• Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible.
• Lay the person down and loosen tight clothes.
• Offer sips of water if patient still conscious.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke:
Sign and Symptoms:
• Altered mental state.
• Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing.
First Aid:
• Get the victim immediately to the medical facility/hospital.
• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool clothes or bath.
• Don`t give fluids.
Emergency numbers:
• National Toll Free number: 10177
• Dial from cellphone: 112
• Life threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line: 011 458 0911
Also read: Keep children cool during heatwave
5 Reasons To Appreciate Summer (Even During Times of Heatwaves)
Have a plan B when calling emergency services
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