Tips to Survive A Summer Heat Wave

Heat waves and scorching sun can induce a variety of ailments. From slight heat cramps to deadly heat strokes, it can affect your health in adverse ways and should not be taken lightly. People with respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, in particular, should take precautions to avoid worsening difficulties in the event of high heat. A recent data from McKinsey estimated that work hours lost to heat waves could cause losses of as much as $250 billion.

In the rural areas, the intolerable heat will slash the valuable hours available to work outdoors. Ac This trend will have global consequences. Half of the world’s food is produced by smallholder farms with most of the energy input from physical labor carried out by the farmers.

Consequences of a Heat Wave

In order to safeguard yourself from the harmful effects of the scorching heat, one should always ensure to remain hydrated. Most of the deaths and fainting incidences happen due to to over exhaustion/ Here are some of the consequences of Heatwave.

• Heat Exhaustion
• Heart Stroke
• Dehydration
• Heat Rash
• Sunburn
• Fainting
• Higher Heart Rate
• Lower Blood Pressure

Who is at Risk?

• Newborns or infants (especially wearing diapers or tight-fitting clothes)
• Elderly people who may not realize how much they are sweating or don’t frequently change their clothes
• Living in hot and humid climates
• Working in hot, confined spaces where sweating is prevalent

What can you do to protect yourself?

List of measures you can take to stay safe in this period

Dos:

• Stay indoors and in shaded places.
• Use an umbrella/hat/cap/towel when outside.
• Wear thin loose cotton, light-colored garments.
• Drink water and salted drinks (lassi, lemon water, fruit juices, ORS) frequently. Eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, orange, etc.
• Take frequent cool baths and reduce room temperature. Use window shades/curtains, fan, cooler, air-conditioner, cross-ventilated room, sprinkle water, keep indoor plants, etc.

If a person feels unwell — especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor workers — they should immediately shift to a cooler place, put on minimum clothing, be sponged with cold water, and be transported to the nearest health facility.

Don’ts:

• Going out in the sun, especially between noon and 3 pm
• Doing strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.
• Drinking alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks
• Leaving children or pets in parked vehicles.
• Wearing dark-colored, synthetic, and tight clothing.