Australia

Beating the heat: Who is most at risk during a heatwave?

HEATWAVES or long periods of extreme heat can have serious impacts on peoples health and planning ahead is vital, NSW Health says. During extremely hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated (lose too much water from your body) or for your body to overheat. READ MORE: Very high fire danger rating issued for Orana region If this happens people can develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. “Heat-related illness includes dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of existing medical conditions,” NSW Health said. READ ALSO: These are things you cant unsee at serious road accidents, emergency services say “​Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they live alone or are socially isolated.” Drink plenty of water Keep cool Keep your house cool Take care of others Have a plan After the heat has passed

HEATWAVES or long periods of extreme heat can have serious impacts on peoples health and planning ahead is vital, NSW Health says.

During extremely hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated (lose too much water from your body) or for your body to overheat.

“Heat-related illness includes dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of existing medical conditions,” NSW Health said.

“​Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they live alone or are socially isolated.”

The following people are most at risk:[hhmc]

  • Those over the age of 75
  • Infants and young children
  • Overweight or obese
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Not very mobile
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Living by themselves or homeless
  • Socially isolated
  • Working in a hot environment (for example labourers, gardeners, fire fighters)
  • Exercising vigorously in the heat
  • People who have a chronic illness such as: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer or kidney disease, mental illness, dementia, alcohol or other drug use
  • People who have an acute illness such as: an infection with fever, gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and/or vomiting)​

How to stay healthy in the heat

Drink plenty of water

  • Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty – check the colour of your wee – if its pale youre drinking enough (check out theurine colour chart).
  • If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather.
  • Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks including tea and coffee (they can make dehydration worse).
  • If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you.
  • Stock your fridge with cold water and freezer with ice.
  • Drink cold drinks and eat smaller cold meals such as salads and fruit.
  • Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton.
  • Stay out of the sun.
  • If you must go outside, apply sunscreen, wear a hat.
  • Plan your day around the heat – avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.
  • Put wet towels or cool packs on your arms or neck or put your feet in cool water.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Minimise physical activity, do all household chores early in the morning when it is cools

Keep your house cool

  • Cool your house by closing windows, shutting curtains and blinds, opening windows at night if you can to let in cool air.
  • Use air-conditioning if you have it (make sure its set to cool).
  • If you dont have air-conditioning, spend time in a cool place like a library, shopping centre or cinema.
  • Know which room in your house is the coolest (this will often be on the ground floor on the south side).
  • If there is no power or you cant get to an air-conditioned space, spend time in the coolest part of your house.
  • Use your stove and oven as little as possible.

Take care of others

  • Visit or telephone elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, at least once a day.
  • Check that they have water in the fridge.
  • Encourage them to drink.
  • Help them to find the coolest room in the house.
  • Consider taking them to a cool place (e.g. shopping centre, library or cinema).
  • Take particular care to keep children cool and get them to drink lots as they wont often do this by themselves.
  • Never leave babies, children or animals alone in a car even if the air-conditioner is on.

Have a plan

  • Know who to call if you need help.
  • Follow your doctors advice if you have any medical conditions.
  • If you feel unwell, seek medical advice from your doctor or nearest hospital.
  • Know where to find your emergency kit in case of a power failure.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
  • Know what to do in case of a bushfire. Information on bushfire preparedness is available from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

After the heat has passed

  • Continue to drink plenty of fluids so your body can get back in balance.
  • Take time to rest and recover as coping with extremely hot weather can be very tiring.
  • Go to your doctor if you feel unwell after the heat has passed.
  • Open windows and doors to let your house cool down but make sure you dont compromise the security of your home.
  • Contact family and friends to see if they have coped during the heat and if they now need help with anything.
  • Think about how well you coped during this time of extreme heat and what, if anything, you would do differently next time.
  • Make any changes in your home so it will be more comfortable for you during another time of extreme heat (see How to prepare for a heat wave).

[contf]
[contfnew]

Nyngan Observer

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]

Related Articles

Back to top button