When the weather that is much hotter than average for a particular time and place and sometime too more humid. It's known as the Heatwave .
This heatwave is caused because average temperatures are rising in Indian subcontinents, and around the world as well : Recent changes in climate have been caused by Carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases that people have added to the atmosphere through activities that use fossil fuels like oil, gasoline, diesel, propane, coal and natural gas. While natural variation continue to play an important role in hotspell events. Climate change has shifted the odds, increasing the likelihood that these events will occur.
These heatwave events in the Indian subcontinents are already occuring and expected to become more common, more severe, and longer-lasting as our climate changes. Heatwave is not just a naisance; it kills hundreds of people every year and causes many more to become seriously ill.
HOW HOTSPELL AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND HOW ONE CAN ADAPT!
Heat affects everybody! A normal body temperature for adults is around 98.6F.
When you are sick, you may get a fever with symptoms such as headache, sweating or fatigue. Much like a fever , heatwave stresses your body's ability to maintain it's normal temperature and can result in similar symptoms.The closer the temperature of the environment is to a person's body temperature, the harder it will also be for them to lose heat, putting them at risk of developing heat injuries.
Following are some most common health effects (or symptoms) caused by extreme heat :
HEAT CRAMPS are muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms or calves caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body. Heat cramps can occur from prolonged exposure to extreme heat combined with dehydration and they commonly happen while participating in strenuous outdoor activities such as physical labour or sports.
Signs for heat cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Painful muscle cramps
or spasms
HEAT EXHAUTION is a severe illness requiring emergency medical treatment. It can occur from exposure to extreme heat over an extended period of time (usually several days) especially when combined with dehydration.
Signs for heat exhaution :
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Decreased urine
output
HEAT STROKE is the most serious medical condition caused by extreme heat, requiring emergency treatment. Heat stroke (or hyperthermia) occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature and its temperature rises rapidly -up to 106’ F or higher. Heat stroke usually occurs as a progression from other heat related illness, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion. It can also strike suddenly without prior symptoms however, and it can result in death without immediate medical attention.
Signs for heart stroke include:
• Very high body temperature
• Altered mental state
• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Hot, dry skin or profuse
sweating
• Unconsciousness
To help prevent heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke:drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
Take cool baths or showers
Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
Sprinkle water over skin or clothes
Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
Avoid excess alcohol
Avoid extreme exercise
This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they're more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The best defense against extreme heat is to be prepared, and remember:
• Get ready: Take steps now to prepare your home, workplace, and community for future
heat events.
• Get set: Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to do in an emergency.
• Go: Check on those who may need help during an extreme heat event, like children, elderly family members, homebound neighbors, or outdoor workers.
Written by:- Iram Tariq
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