Medical experts have suggested extra precautions in the hot summer season to avoid commonly reported health disorders, such as, exhaustion, cramps, dehydration and other heat related health problems. In the summer, when the temperature during the day in certain parts of the Kingdom is more than 40? Celsius, people in general and the elderly, infants and pre-school children in particular are easily exhausted and susceptible to mild to acute health disorders. Moreover, people with chronic ailments, such as, those on dialysis, and those suffering from diabetes and cardiac problems or with a history of respiratory disease are also at risk of falling ill, medical experts warn. Other groups of people, such as, amateur sportsmen or those who exercise vigorously or stay outdoors for prolonged periods of time, such as, construction workers or manual laborers should take precautionary measures against the heat. People who work in places where heat is emitted through industrial processes, such as, foundries, bakeries and laundries and those on certain medications, such as, psychiatric drugs, anti-depressants, anti-Parkinson's drugs, diuretics, some antihistamines, over-the-counter sleep medications and anti-diarrhea pills, and pregnant women and those suffering obesity should also take precautions. Heat cramps are painful spasms usually in the leg or stomach muscles accompanied by heavy sweating. Moving the person to a cooler place, light massaging and stretching the affected muscles can be a relief, said Dr. Rajshakher Munaswamy, a general physician at Shifa Polyclinic. Heat can also aggravate other health disorders including high blood pressure and renal and psychiatric disorders, he said. A person suffering from heat exhaustion may be sweating heavily, but his/her skin might appear cool, pale or flushed. Other symptoms are a weak pulse, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches. People with heat exhaustion should lie down in a cool place, loosen or remove their garments, apply a wet cloth to the body and sip half-a-glass of water slowly every 15 minutes. However, in case of nausea, drinking water should be discontinued and immediate medical attention should be sought if the condition leads to vomiting, Dr. Munaswamy said. He said that in cases of heat stroke, a person's body temperature rises to 39.4° C (103° F) as opposed to the normal body temperature of 37° C (98.6° F). The pulse rate is strong and rapid, and breathing is shallow and rapid. The person suffering from heat stroke might experience a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and may have red, hot and dry skin (not sweating). Sometimes the sufferer becomes unconscious. A person with these symptoms should be taken to a hospital without any delay because a lack of medical aid might be fatal. However, while en route to the hospital the person should be kept as cool as possible by sponging his body with cold water. Heat waves might aggravate the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders among people with a history of health disorders. Dr. Munaswamy said if a heat wave is accompanied by air pollution, anyone with chronic lung conditions, such as, bronchitis, emphysema or with a variety of cardiac conditions could be particularly affected. Dr. Premanand Madattil, an internist, said that during extreme heat conditions, people should take precautions by not exposing themselves for long periods of time to hot weather and by paying attention to weather forecasts. In case going outdoors is unavoidable for work related purposes or for social activities during hot weather, limiting the activity to early morning or during evening hours and working in shady areas could help keep the body temperature at a normal level. However, it would be advisable to take frequent breaks while working outdoors. It would also be advisable for workers to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting clothing. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration. Dr. Suresh, a pediatrician, said parents or caregivers should avoid taking infants and children outdoors in extremely hot weather conditions. “But if you must go out, dress them in cool, loose clothing, shade their heads by using umbrellas and provide plenty of liquids such as juices or water,” he said. Staying indoors and giving babies and children showers, or sponging their face, hands and neck will help them keep cool and healthy, he said. “Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets on the pretext that infants need to keep warm. Never leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car,” he warned. Dr. Sebastian, specialist in internal medicine, said reducing the use of the oven and stove during hot summer days could help keep your home cooler. Turning off unnecessary lights or using low powered electric bulbs will also help, he added. If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure, he said. He said people should avoid drinking liquids containing caffeine or large amounts of sugar. In fact, such a practice might actually cause one to lose more fluids, he said, adding that avoiding cold drinks will help because sometimes they are the cause of stomach cramps. Heavy sweating causes the body to lose salt and minerals. People should drink water or cold drinks or other sports beverages, he said. He said persons with health disorders such as epilepsy, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or those who are on a fluid-restricted diet, should consult the doctor before increasing fluid intake. Keeping a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, salads and yoghurt during the summer is highly recommended, he said. – SGDo's and don'ts • Avoid sunburn: It slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating. • Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for the elderly or very young people. • Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices after a physical workout or during hot weather conditions. This will help the body replenish body fluids. __
