Beat the heat to stay safe as temperatures soar

With South Africa’s summer in full swing, temperatures soaring, and some experts predicting a particularly hot and dry summer, Resolution Health Medical Scheme (Resolution Health) cautions the public to take measures to protect their health, and that of the elderly and young children.

“We are fortunate in South Africa to enjoy a wonderfully warm climate, however this comes with certain dangers that we must learn to mitigate through behavioural change during hot spells, particularly in humid regions such as parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga,” says Resolution Health principal officer Mark Arnold.

 Dr Jacques Snyman, acting chief executive officer for Agility Global Health Solutions Africa (Agility Africa), the administrator of Resolution Health, warns that the elderly and young children are particularly susceptible to heat-related health conditions.

“The elderly tend to dehydrate more quickly than other healthy adults, while babies and young children’s bodies’ internal thermoregulatory systems are not yet fully developed. People suffering from chronic lung and heart conditions and those taking certain medicines, which may impair heat regulation, are also particularly heat sensitive. This puts these age groups and individuals at great risk in the heat,” Dr Snyman explains.

“Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature becomes dangerously high and the body cannot dissipate heat in a hot or humid environment, especially while doing physical activities. We more commonly hear about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are both forms of hyperthermia.”

Heat exhaustion is a less severe form of hyperthermia, which can lead to heat stroke if not adequately treated. The health risks associated with high temperatures should not be underestimated as heat stroke, which happens when the body’s core temperature increases beyond 40 degrees Celsius, can be fatal,” Dr Snyman warns.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• profuse sweating;
• muscle cramps and body aches;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• fatigue;
• dizziness;
• pale skin.

“If you or anyone else shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, take action immediately. Get out of the heat, drink plenty of water, remove any tight or unnecessary clothing, and take a cool shower or bath to reduce the body temperature. If these measures don’t provide relief within 30 minutes, then the person could be suffering from the more serious condition of heat stroke,” Dr Snyman cautions.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and, if it is not treated rapidly and properly, it can lead to coma or organ failure. The most characteristic sign of heat stroke is an absence of sweating.

Other symptoms include:

• dry flushed skin;
• high body temperature;
• rapid pulse;
• trouble breathing;
• confusion and disorientation;
• hallucinations;
• unusual and sometimes aggressive behavior;
• seizures;

Arnold urged the public to take measures to protect themselves, as well as their young and elderly loved ones, against dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the high temperatures currently being experienced around the country.

“Where possible stay indoors and avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest period of the day, usually between 11 am and 4 pm. If you must be outside, try to keep to the shade. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks or those containing caffeine, as these dehydrate the body,” Arnold elaborates. 

“Wear loose-fitting clothes in light fabrics and avoid dark colours, as these draw in the heat of the sun. Hats and high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen are also a must. It is also vitally important not to leave anyone – children, the elderly or pets – in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, as this very rapidly creates the conditions that cause heat stroke.”

“Prevention is always better than cure and arming yourself with knowledge about how to stay safe in the summer heat is the first vital step in defense against these unpleasant and dangerous conditions,” Arnold concluded.

Everyone is cautioned to protect themselves from the sun during the course of the December holidays. 

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