Soaring Temperatures Top 151°F in UAE: Strategies to Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Summer Ailments
Staying Safe During UAE's Summer Heatwave
As temperatures in the UAE soar above 50°C and the region experiences a period of extreme heatwave, health experts are urging residents to prioritise their health and safety.
Minimizing Risks During Dust Storms
It's crucial to stay hydrated during dust storms to minimize the risks of dehydration. Residents should drink plenty of water and fluids like coconut water or oral rehydration solutions. It's also important to wear light, sweat-absorbing clothes, use sunscreen, and avoid exercising during the day, especially for pregnant women.
Dust storms can aggravate current health conditions, so it's important to adhere to prescribed medication schedules. Wearing a N95 mask is advised when going outside during dust storms, as dust carries pollutants and irritants that can be harmful to health.
Beating the Heat
Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to serious health conditions like heatstroke and skin irritation. To avoid these risks, residents are advised to wear loose, light-colored clothing and a hat, and to apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly. It's also recommended to stay indoors as much as possible during peak heat hours (12 pm to 4 pm), take frequent cooling breaks, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses.
Precautions for Vulnerable Groups
Pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and outdoor workers are the most vulnerable to heatwaves. Asthma patients, the elderly, children, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and individuals with respiratory diseases are at higher risk during dust storms. These groups should carry an emergency inhaler and limit outdoor activities and outings as much as possible during dust storms.
Preparing for Heatwaves
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 drink water often. It's also important to adjust work schedules for outdoor labor to cooler times of the day and to watch for dust-related reduced visibility while driving during dust alerts.
Avoiding Heatstroke
The risk of heatstroke can be avoided by not using saunas or hot tubs, avoiding direct sunlight, staying hydrated, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and taking cool baths or showers. It's also recommended to eat water-rich fruits and vegetables and to stay active with exercise.
Staying Alert
Dust storms may trigger allergies like itchy throat, irritable eyes, throat and skin irritation, coughing or sneezing. Residents should regularly check the weather updates to be prepared for dust storms and to wear sunglasses and protective clothing if outdoor travel is essential.
Understanding Heatwaves
A heatwave is a natural meteorological phenomenon arising from the trapping of warm air in the atmosphere. Higher levels of humidity can make the weather feel warmer than it is. It's important to remember that these extreme conditions can pose serious health risks, so residents should take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
- Weather updates should be regularly checked to stay alert for potential dust storms, as they can aggravate current health conditions and trigger allergies.
- In the context of the UAE's heatwave, health-and-wellness experts advise prioritizing a lifestyle that focuses on taking necessary precautions against heatwaves and dust storms.
- To minimize the risks during dust storms, it's essential to wear a N95 mask, stay hydrated, and avoid exercising during the day, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women.
- Residents can minimize risks of heatstroke by staying indoors during peak heat hours, taking frequent cooling breaks, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
- Environmental-science research indicates that climate-change contributes to the increase in heatwaves, reinforcing the importance of adopting sustainable practices to address the issue and protect our health and environment. Additionally, maintaining a proper diet that includes nutrient-rich foods is crucial for overall health and fitness-and-exercise.
